"Nature never said to me: Do not be poor; still less did she say: Be rich; her cry to me was always: Be independent"

This quote by Nicolas Chamfort speaks to the concept of self-sufficiency and self-reliance. Nature, in this quote, is viewed as a teacher, supplying guidance and knowledge to the speaker. Nature never told the speaker to be rich or poor, however instead to be independent. This might be interpreted as a call to be self-reliant and to count on one's own resources and capabilities. It could also be seen as a suggestion to not be dependent on others for one's success or happiness. The quote could also be translated as a pointer to be conscious of one's own needs and to take obligation for one's own life. Eventually, the quote is a tip to be independent and to rely on one's own resources and capabilities. It is a call to be self-dependent and to take obligation for one's own life.