"Preoccupation with money is the great test of small natures, but only a small test of great ones"

Nicolas Chamfort's quote, "Preoccupation with cash is the great test of small natures, however just a little test of excellent ones", offers an extensive commentary on human character and values. At its core, the declaration contrasts different methods individuals respond to financial concerns, drawing a line in between what Chamfort may think about 'small' and 'fantastic' natures.

In referral to "small natures", Chamfort indicates individuals who are quickly consumed by the pursuit of wealth and material gain. For these people, money is a frustrating preoccupation that can dictate their actions, concerns, and worths. The "great test" recommends that their character is considerably measured by how they handle or consume over monetary matters. Their fixation on monetary elements might overshadow other virtues, suggesting a minimal scope of concerns that fixates materialism. In this sense, the pursuit of cash ends up being a specifying element of their lives and character, evaluating them in every choice they make or circumstance they deal with.

On the other hand, Chamfort's recommendation to "terrific natures" suggests people with broad, enlightened perspectives who prioritize greater ideals over simple monetary gain. For these people, cash plays only a minor role in their life's test--"a little test". Although monetary matters do still present challenges, they do not consume or define these individuals. Rather, their values, wisdom, and character are drawn from a deeper well of suitables such as integrity, empathy, or pursuit of knowledge. Financial issues, then, represent just a small part of their more comprehensive ambitions and moral landscape.

Thus, Chamfort eloquently underlines the concept that a person's relationship with cash can expose much about their character. While those of "little natures" might be entirely defined by their engagement with wealth, for those of "terrific natures", financial resources are simply among numerous elements of life, managed with poise and perspective.