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There is no wealth but life. Life, including all its powers of love, of joy, and of admiration. That country is the richest which nourishes the greatest numbers of noble and happy human beings; that man is richest, who, having perfected the functions of his own life to the utmost, has also the widest helpful influence, both personal, and by means of his possessions, over the lives of others.

— John Ruskin Unto This Last (1860)

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More quotes by John Ruskin

Remember that the most beautiful things in the world are the most useless: peacocks and lilies, for instance.

The Stones of Venice (1853)

In painting as in eloquence, the greater your strength, the quieter your manner.

Modern Painters (1843)

Life without industry is guilt, and industry without art is brutality.

Lectures on Art (1870)

When we build, let us think that we build for ever.

The Seven Lamps of Architecture (1849)

He who has the truth at his heart need never fear the want of persuasion on his tongue.

The Stones of Venice (1853)

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Quote text and notes from Wikiquote: John Ruskin (page history), available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Source quality and labels are our own summary of what Wikiquote records.