What is wealth good for, if it brings melancholy?如果说财富只是带给人们忧愁,那么要它何用?
这条谚语运用了修辞上的无疑而问的反诘句,如果用直叙法就是If wealth brings melancholy, it will be good for nothing.(如果说财富只是带给人们忧愁,它将一无所用。)当然,两者相比,反诘句所表达的意念更为深刻。
说金钱无用的谚语还有:
Little wealth, little care.
财富少,烦恼也少。
Much coin, much care.
财富多,烦恼也多。
Gold will not buy anything.
金钱不能买任何东西。
The money the miser hoards will do him no good.
守财奴积得的钱财对自己毫无用处。
以上都是对“金钱万能论”的否定。
关于“金钱万能论”的谚语可参阅另一组:Money makes the mare go.