Meaning: The quote "A man that hoards up riches and enjoys them not, is like an ass that carries gold and eats thistles" by Richard Burton, the English actor, is a thought-provoking analogy that highlights the futility of accumulating wealth without deriving any pleasure or benefit from it. This quote encapsulates the idea that material wealth, when not utilized or appreciated, holds little value and can even be likened to an absurd or nonsensical pursuit.

At its core, this quote serves as a cautionary reminder about the purpose of wealth and the importance of deriving satisfaction and fulfillment from it. The comparison between a person who hoards riches but does not enjoy them and an ass that carries gold but consumes thistles conveys the notion that accumulating wealth without reaping its rewards is ultimately fruitless and akin to engaging in a senseless endeavor.

The imagery evoked in the quote is powerful and serves to emphasize the incongruity and irrationality of accumulating wealth for the sake of accumulation alone. The mental image of an ass, a beast of burden, carrying gold, a symbol of wealth and value, while consuming thistles, a prickly and undesirable plant, effectively conveys the idea of misplaced priorities and wasted potential. The juxtaposition of valuable gold and unpalatable thistles further underscores the message that wealth, when not enjoyed or utilized, loses its meaning and purpose.

Moreover, the quote also points to the potential consequences of mismanaging wealth and failing to appreciate its true worth. By likening the individual who hoards riches to an ass, the quote suggests that such a person may be laboring under the burden of wealth without deriving any benefit, much like the ass laboring under the weight of gold while consuming nutritionally deficient thistles. This analogy serves as a cautionary tale, warning against the perils of accumulating wealth without deriving satisfaction or joy from it.

From a philosophical standpoint, the quote can be interpreted as a commentary on the nature of happiness and fulfillment. It suggests that true wealth lies not only in the possession of material riches but in the ability to derive pleasure and satisfaction from them. In this sense, the quote advocates for a balanced approach to wealth, one that emphasizes the importance of enjoying and making meaningful use of one's resources rather than simply amassing them for the sake of accumulation.

In conclusion, Richard Burton's quote "A man that hoards up riches and enjoys them not, is like an ass that carries gold and eats thistles" serves as a poignant reminder of the futility of accumulating wealth without deriving any benefit or satisfaction from it. Through its vivid imagery and thought-provoking analogy, the quote underscores the importance of finding meaning and fulfillment in one's material possessions, and serves as a cautionary tale against the pitfalls of misplaced priorities and unfulfilled potential.