You know, “The measure of wealth is not what we keep” completely flips the script on what we’re taught. It’s not about your bank account, but the value you create for others. This perspective changes everything about success and community.
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Meaning
True wealth isn’t about accumulation. It’s measured by your positive impact and what you give back.
Explanation
Look, I’ve seen this play out so many times. We’re conditioned to think the goal is to acquire—more money, more stuff, more status. But this quote hits on a deeper truth. The real richness in life, the stuff that actually fulfills you, comes from your contributions. Your time, your skills, your care for your neighborhood. That’s the capital that truly appreciates. It’s a different kind of economy, one built on generosity.
Quote Summary
| Context | Attributes |
|---|---|
| Original Language | English (3668) |
| Category | Wealth (107) |
| Topics | generosity (15), giving (16), value (44) |
| Literary Style | clear (348), poetic (635) |
| Emotion / Mood | inspiring (392), provocative (175) |
| Overall Quote Score | 81 (258) |
Origin & Factcheck
This comes straight from John McKnight and Peter Block’s 2010 book, “The Abundant Community.” You sometimes see it floating around anonymously, but it’s theirs. They were writing from a U.S. perspective, critiquing the consumer culture and its impact on our social fabric.
Attribution Summary
| Context | Attributes |
|---|---|
| Author | John McKnight (51) |
| Source Type | Book (4032) |
| Source/Book Name | The Abundant Community: Awakening the Power of Families and Neighborhoods (51) |
| Origin Timeperiod | 21st Century (1892) |
| Original Language | English (3668) |
| Authenticity | Verified (4032) |
Author Bio
John McKnight, Professor Emeritus at Northwestern University had spent decades of his life helping people rediscover the power of relationships. Being, co-founder of the ABCD Institute, his core idea revolves around communities that grows by identifying and connecting their assets. You’ll find the John McKnight book list here which are anchored by Building Communities from the Inside Out, The Careless Society, The Abundant Community, and The Connected Community.
| Official Website
Where is this quotation located?
| Quotation | The measure of wealth is not what we keep but what we contribute |
| Book Details | Publication Year/Date: 2010; ISBN/Unique Identifier: 9781605095844; Last edition: 2012; Number of pages: 192. |
| Where is it? | Chapter: The Measure of Wealth, Approximate page from 2012 edition: 196 |