దరిద్రుడు మరణం కోరుకుంటాడు, భాగ్యవంతుడు భాగ్యాన్ని కోరుకుంటాడు

daridrudu maranam korukuntadu, bhagyavantudu bhagyanni korukuntadu

Translation

The poor man desires death, while the wealthy man desires wealth.

Meaning

This expression highlights the extreme difference in perspectives and priorities based on one's life circumstances. It suggests that while those in suffering or poverty might see death as an escape from their miseries, those with resources are driven by the ambition to accumulate even more success and prosperity. It is often used to describe the contrasting mindsets of the 'haves' and the 'have-nots'.

Related Phrases

Finger millets for the crop, goats for the wealth.

This proverb highlights the low value or inefficiency of certain choices. Just as finger millets are considered a poor substitute for a primary crop and goats are seen as a humble or unstable form of wealth compared to cattle or gold, the expression is used to describe situations where something is barely sufficient or lacks true substance and prosperity.

Better to be a wife to a beggar than to be a slave to a wealthy man.

This proverb emphasizes the value of self-respect and status within a relationship over material wealth. It suggests that it is better to live in poverty but with dignity as a life partner (spouse) rather than living in luxury but being treated as a subordinate or servant.

A man's fortune is a compatible wife.

This proverb highlights that a man's true wealth and success in life depend heavily on having a supportive and understanding spouse. It is used to emphasize the importance of marital harmony and the role a life partner plays in one's prosperity and happiness.

If you are industrious, you will become rich.

This proverb emphasizes the importance of hard work and diligence. It means that success, prosperity, and good fortune are the direct results of one's efforts and labor. It is used to encourage someone to persevere in their tasks to achieve a better life.

There is no fortune greater than being alive.

This expression emphasizes that life itself is the greatest wealth one can possess. It is used to provide perspective during financial loss or hardship, suggesting that as long as one is alive and healthy, they have the opportunity to rebuild and succeed.

To the luckless Damodara, an unfortunate son-in-law.

This expression is used to describe a situation where two equally poor, unlucky, or incompetent people join forces or become related. It signifies that when someone who is already in a miserable state gains a partner or associate who is equally destitute, their collective misery only compounds. It is often used to mock the pairing of two losers.

In a land of dry sticks and bread, the one wearing a simple loincloth is the wealthy man.

This proverb highlights the concept of relative wealth and survival. In a place where resources are extremely scarce and poverty is widespread, even the person with the most basic necessities is considered fortunate or rich. It is used to describe situations where standards are so low that minimal sustenance is seen as a luxury.

If one becomes wealthy by stealing, he cannot enjoy it for long.

This proverb emphasizes that wealth acquired through dishonest or illegal means like theft is temporary and will not bring lasting happiness or security. It suggests that ill-gotten gains eventually lead to downfall or are lost quickly, highlighting the importance of honesty and hard work for sustainable prosperity.

Entertainments [ bring ] relations, flattery [ brings ] fortune.

This proverb suggests that people become your relatives or show affection as long as you provide for them (serve food/gifts), and fortune or success is often gained through flattering others. It is used to describe the superficial nature of certain social bonds and worldly success.

While the pot boils friendship blooms. (GERMAN.)*

The scholar says 'May all the worlds be happy', while the doctor says 'Ill health is the greatest fortune'.

This is a satirical proverb or 'sameta' highlighting how different professions view the world based on their personal gain. While a wise person prays for universal well-being, a doctor's livelihood depends on people falling ill. It is used to mock people who find profit in others' misfortunes or to point out conflicting interests in society.