Oration 7 That Unjust Wealth is More Wretched than Poverty

Libanius. Libanii Opera, Volume 1, Fasc 2: Orationes VI-XI. Foerster, Richard, editor. Leipzig: Teubner, 1903.

Open Greek and Latin · CC BY-SA 4.0

Cloned and adapted by Humanitext, with ongoing edits.

This oration argues that unjust wealth is a far more wretched state for a human being than poverty. Addressing those who lament the pitiful plight of the poor, the speaker shifts the focus of sympathy. He asserts that those who have accumulated wealth through unjust means are the ones truly deserving of pity. The discourse details how unjust gains lead to ruin, highlighting the punishments they face in this life, such as social disgrace and legal accusations. Furthermore, the speech extends its scope to the afterlife, warning of the unforgiving penalties that await these unjust wealthy individuals after death. Ultimately, the work demonstrates the vanity of ill-gotten riches and prompts the audience to reflect on moral integrity and true happiness.