Can anyone tell me what Thomas Paine is saying in this quote so I can figure out if it is still true of American spending today?

"What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly: it is dearness only that gives every thing its value."

Thanks!

Question

Can anyone tell me what Thomas Paine is saying in this quote so I can figure out if it is still true of American spending today?

"What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly: it is dearness only that gives every thing its value."

Thanks!

anonymous · Answer

It means that when we just get something, we don't really care for it. But when we spend time and dedication for something, then we get it, it becomes so much more dear to us.

Like when a kid get's a toy he doesn't really take care of it, it ends up broken and he forgets about it. Then he gets older and asks his parents for something. They tell him "you need to work for it." So he does, and once he sees all the hard work that went into that item, he takes more care of it and is careful with it. 

That's what Paine is saying here. "When we get something for free or cheap we take poor care of it. But once we work hard for something we see the time that went into it and we take more care of it."

anonymous · Answer

Thank you! That helped a lot, actually!

anonymous · Answer

No prob! I am glad to help:)

anonymous · Answer

Well I appreciate it.
Thanks again!

anonymous · Answer

Hey, I read your bio, I do that when I answer someones question. You a Jesus Freak too? Not insulting you, I am one too, I think that's super rad!

anonymous · Answer

@RICARDOismyfirstname Haha yep! I sure am(:

anonymous · Answer

Awesome!! So do you feel called to a certain ministry?

anonymous · Answer

@RICARDOismyfirstname Not necessarily... I believe more in the actual religious parts than the church. But I grew up going to Lutheran and Covenant services?