76. The Ways of Acquiring Wealth

There is nothing like wealth for lending consequence
to an inconsequential man.

Those who have nothing have everyone's contempt,
while the rich are exalted by one and all.

Wealth is an unfailing lamp whose light
reaches every imaginable land, dispelling darkness.

Riches acquired by mindful means, in a manner 
that harms no one, will bring both piety and pleasure. 

Wealth acquired without compassion and love
is to be cast off, not embraced.

Wealth with no owner, wealth of defeated foes, wealth from
tax and customs--these constitute the royal revenues.

Compassion, which is the child of Love,
requires for its care the bountiful nurse called Wealth. 

Undertaking an enterprise with sufficient resources in hand 
is like standing on a hilltop watching elephants fight below.

Make money--that is the sharpest scalpel
for paring down an enemy's pride.

Having acquired affluence, the acquisition of two
other treasures--duty and delight--is effortless.