To gain the world and lose one's soul
Meaning
To achieve great material success, wealth, or power at the expense of one's moral integrity, spiritual well-being, or true self.
Origin
The profound question at the heart of this phrase was first posed by Jesus of Nazareth, as recorded in the New Testament Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. He asked his disciples, 'What profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?' This wasn't merely a rhetorical flourish; it was a foundational challenge to the human obsession with earthly riches and power, starkly contrasting it with the immeasurable value of spiritual well-being and eternal life. From its biblical roots, the phrase entered Western thought as a potent reminder that not all achievements are worth the ultimate cost to one's moral compass or inner peace.
Examples
- He feared that in his relentless pursuit of corporate success, he might gain the world and lose his soul, sacrificing his values for profit.
- The politician was warned not to gain the world and lose his soul by making unethical compromises just to win the election.