The Science Of Money The Science Of Money | Page 95

Money
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Questioner : What is the difference between a greedy
person and a miser?
Dadashri : A miser is only concerned with money
whereas a greedy person has greed about everything. He has
greed for money and greed for pride. Greedy people have
greed spread out in every direction and will take away everything
for themselves.
Questioner : Which is better, to be greedy or thrifty?
Dadashri : Greed is a crime. Thrift is not.
What does it mean to practice economy? When times are
tight, be tight and when times are relaxed, you should relax also.
Never get into a debt over anything. You can create a debt in
your business, but not for your enjoyment or any luxuries. When
is it acceptable for you to get into a debt for food? Only when
you are dying, and not otherwise it is unacceptable. You cannot
get into a debt to enjoy fancy and gourmet foods.
Questioner : Dada, is there a difference between
miserliness and thriftiness?
Dadashri : Yes, a tremendous difference. If you earn a
thousand rupees a month, then you should keep an expense
account of eight hundred rupees. And if your income is five
hundred rupees then you should have an expense account of
four hundred rupees. That is called thriftiness. A miser, however
will spend four hundred rupees only, whether his income is a
thousand or two thousands rupees. He would not use a taxi.
Thriftiness is economics. It helps maintain awareness of future
financial difficulties. People despise a miser the moment they see
him, whereas people do not feel that way about a thrifty man.
How should you practice frugality in your home? Practice