Greed

Lore & Background

Ancient views of greed abound in nearly every culture. In Classical Greek thought, pleonexy—an unjust desire for what belongs to others—is discussed in the works of Plato and Aristotle. The myth of Tantalus, from whom food and water are eternally withheld, serves as a Pan-Hellenic disapprobation of greed. Late-Republican and Imperial Roman writers such as Sallust, Plutarch, and Cicero blamed the demise of the Roman Republic on greed for wealth and power. In the Sanskrit Dharmashastras, the Laws of Manu state that 'the root of all immorality is lobha (greed).' Early Chinese texts like the Shan hai jing and Zuo zhuan count the greedy Taotie among the malevolent Four Perils.

Reader's Guide

Greed has been a persistent concern in moral philosophy, religion, and economics. Modern economic thought distinguishes greed from self-interest, with thinkers like Keynes noting that private and social interest do not always coincide. Weber linked the spirit of capitalism to a philosophy of avarice colored with utilitarianism, while also noting that Protestant ethic condemns wealth only when it leads to idleness. As a secular psychological concept, greed is characterized by an inability to control the reformulation of wants once needs are met, leading to endless dissatisfaction. Erich Fromm described it as 'a bottomless pit.' Measures of greed as a personality trait show it relates to financial behavior, unethical conduct, and negatively to well-being. Across cultures, from Zoroastrian demons to Indigenous bear tales, greed is often personified and condemned as a threat to communal order.

Did You Know?

• The wolverine's scientific name Gulo gulo means 'glutton,' reflecting its association with greed.
• The Roman poet Lucretius thought fear of dying and poverty were major drivers of greed.
• St. Ambrose wrote that 'the earth belongs to everyone, not only to the rich,' arguing that avarice destroys the bond of society.
• The philosopher Xunzi believed selfishness and greed were fundamental human traits that society must suppress through strict laws.