Trader’s temperate disposition

Chapter X T rader’ s temperate disposition Since a trader displays more versatility than most people display, and is known as a gentle and well- mannered person whose public presence is strong, he must aspire to make his disposition as temperate as possible. He must not be confined to his profession but rather equally involved in the cultural and civic domain, and maintain a witty, moderate and respectful disposition, as discussed in this book. Many a trader cannot help but to simply adore gold and silver and could not care less about his family and in- laws, friends, the civic affairs of his town, nor are they able to ensure that his sons and daughters are well-off and provided for. Men like this are utterly dedicated only to their business and if manners are considered, they are equal to those of some peasants. Profit is their only concern. They should be banished from society for such avarice and make them suffer the same punishment as Marcus Crassus, in whose mouth molten gold and silver were poured because “He thirsted for gold so now he can quaff it.” T rue avarice, as defined by St. Thomas, is excessive desire for amassing wealth, which is contrary to the love for one’s brethren, homeland and God. Those who earn money in this way are committing a deadly sin. They are to settle all their debts as is befitting to their homeland, friends, offspring, parents, wives, servants and also to themselves because some tend to be so preoccupied with their work that they bore their own selves to death and all because of their endless avarice and voracity of their heart’s

desire. They can easily be compared with senseless animals, and I have had the opportunity to meet a countless number of such men.