Worldly wealth is the Devil's bait; and those whose minds feed upon riches recede, in general, from real happiness, in proportion as their stores increase, as the moon, when she is fullest, is farthest from the sun.

The quote by Robert Burton — "Worldly wealth is the Devil's bait; and those whose minds feed upon riches recede, in general, from real happiness, in proportion as their stores increase, as the moon, when she is fullest, is farthest from the sun" — suggests that the pursuit of material wealth can lead individuals away from true happiness. Burton, an English scholar and writer, argues that those who are consumed by the desire for riches become more distant from genuine contentment, just as the moon, when it is fullest, is at its farthest point from the sun. He uses this metaphor to illustrate how the more one focuses on accumulating wealth, the more one distances themselves from the deeper, spiritual aspects of life that lead to lasting happiness.

Burton's reference to worldly wealth as the "Devil's bait" conveys the idea that the pursuit of riches is a tempting but ultimately misleading and destructive force. He likens it to a lure set by the Devil, suggesting that the pursuit of material gain can lead people astray, away from the values that bring true fulfillment. As individuals chase wealth, their minds and priorities shift, often diminishing their capacity for genuine joy, contentment, or spiritual growth.

The metaphor comparing the moon to happiness further deepens this idea. Just as the moon, when it is fullest, is at its farthest from the sun — which symbolizes light, warmth, and life — people who are fixated on riches find themselves increasingly distant from the sources of true happiness and inner peace. The more wealth they accumulate, the further they move away from the intangible, more meaningful aspects of life, like personal relationships, self-contentment, and spiritual enlightenment.

In essence, Burton's quote serves as a warning against placing too much value on material wealth. It reminds us that the pursuit of riches can lead to a hollow existence, where happiness becomes more elusive the more we focus on accumulating wealth. True fulfillment, he suggests, lies in living a life that prioritizes spiritual and emotional well-being over the fleeting rewards of material gain.