Let parents bequeath to their children not riches, but the

Plato, the great philosopher of Athens, once declared: “Let parents bequeath to their children not riches, but the spirit of reverence.” In this saying, he pierces through the illusion of wealth as the highest inheritance, and reveals the greater treasure—reverence, the deep respect for life, for truth, for the divine order, and for those who came before us. Riches may dazzle for a moment, but they are fleeting. Reverence endures, shaping the heart and guiding the soul through both abundance and want.

The origin of this teaching lies in Plato’s vision of a society founded not upon greed but upon virtue. In his works, he often warned of the corruption that arises when people place gold and silver above wisdom and virtue. To him, the true parent’s duty was not to pass down possessions, but to instill in their children a spirit of piety, humility, and respect—for elders, for law, for truth itself. Reverence, he believed, was the seed from which justice, courage, and harmony would grow.

History gives us clear proof of this wisdom. Consider the example of Mahatma Gandhi. Though he lived in poverty, he received from his parents not riches but the spirit of reverence—reverence for truth, for simplicity, for God, and for justice. That inheritance shaped him into a leader who moved nations and altered the course of history. Had his parents given him only wealth, his name might have been forgotten. But because they gave him reverence, his life became a beacon for generations.

There is another story, ancient yet ever alive, of Marcus Aurelius, the Roman emperor and Stoic philosopher. In his Meditations, he wrote that from his mother he learned piety and generosity, and from his father simplicity and courage. These were his inheritance, and they sustained him more than any imperial treasury. When plague and war shook the empire, it was not riches that guided him, but the spirit of reverence for virtue, which had been planted within him as a child.

The lesson is powerful: riches may vanish in fire, theft, or decay, but reverence cannot be taken. Reverence restrains arrogance, tempers pride, and nurtures gratitude. It makes a child mindful of their elders, humble before the mysteries of life, and respectful toward the divine order. Parents who give this inheritance give their children a compass that points to wisdom, no matter what storms may come.

For the parents who hear these words: do not measure your legacy only in land, jewels, or coin. Ask instead, “What spirit have I sown in my child?” Teach them to bow their heads in gratitude before the meal, to honor the sacrifices of those who came before, to speak gently to the weak, to walk humbly even in success. This will outlast palaces and fortunes.

For the children who hear: treasure the spirit of reverence if your parents have given it, and if not, seek it out as your greatest wealth. Read the wisdom of the ancients, walk in nature and feel its majesty, listen to the voices of elders with patience. Riches may come or go, but reverence will shape you into one who carries light into the world.

Thus, the teaching of Plato is eternal: riches may gild the body, but reverence crowns the soul. Pass this inheritance forward, generation to generation, and you will build not merely wealthy families, but enduring civilizations. Let reverence be the true treasure of your lineage, and your descendants will never be poor.