You know, when Zig Ziglar said “Money isn’t the most important thing in life…” he wasn’t dismissing it. He was putting it in its proper, brutal place. It’s not about happiness, it’s about survival. And that’s a distinction that changes everything.
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Meaning
The core message is simple: money is a fundamental tool for survival, not the end goal of a fulfilling life. It’s the foundation, not the pinnacle.
Explanation
Look, I’ve seen so many people get this wrong. They either treat money like it’s evil or they worship it like a god. Ziglar cuts through all that. His point is so practical it’s almost jarring. He’s saying, “Sure, love and family and purpose are the peak of the mountain. But you can’t even begin to climb if you’re suffocating at base camp.” Money is that base camp. It’s the oxygen that allows you to function, to make choices, to not live in a state of constant, low-grade panic. It’s not the most important thing, but my goodness, it’s the thing that makes pursuing the most important things possible. Without it, your options just… vanish.
Quote Summary
| Context | Attributes |
|---|---|
| Original Language | English (3668) |
| Category | Wealth (107) |
| Topics | balance (95), money (27), necessity (4) |
| Literary Style | witty (99) |
| Emotion / Mood | humorous (34), realistic (354) |
| Overall Quote Score | 80 (256) |
Origin & Factcheck
This gem comes straight from Zig Ziglar’s 1975 classic, See You at the Top, which was published right here in the US. It’s pure, uncut Ziglar. You sometimes see this sentiment floating around unattributed, but the specific “close to oxygen” phrasing is his alone.
Attribution Summary
| Context | Attributes |
|---|---|
| Author | Zig Ziglar (36) |
| Source Type | Book (4032) |
| Source/Book Name | See You at the Top (29) |
| Origin Timeperiod | Modern (530) |
| Original Language | English (3668) |
| Authenticity | Verified (4032) |
Author Bio
Zig Ziglar inspired generations with his upbeat, practical lessons on sales and success. He started in door-to-door cookware sales, rose to corporate leadership, and then founded Ziglar, Inc. to train leaders worldwide. His books—like See You at the Top and Secrets of Closing the Sale—blend ethics, optimism, and actionable steps. He spoke to millions across the globe and built a lasting legacy in personal development and professional selling. If you’re exploring his writings, check the
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Where is this quotation located?
| Quotation | Money isn’t the most important thing in life, but it’s reasonably close to oxygen on the 'gotta have it' scale |
| Book Details | Publication Year/Date: 1975; ISBN/Unique Identifier: 978-0-88207-957-2; Last edition: Revised & Updated, Pelican Publishing 2010; Number of pages: 416 |
| Where is it? | Chapter 37: Money and Meaning, Approximate page 670 from 2010 edition |