The loss of wealth is loss of dirt, as sages in all times assert; the happy man's without a shirt

The loss of wealth is loss of dirt, as sages in all times assert; the happy man's without a shirt

John Heywood was an English playwright and poet who lived during the 16th century. He was known for his witty and satirical works, often using humor to comment on social issues of his time. One of his most famous works is "The Proverbs of John Heywood," a collection of over 600 proverbs that he wrote and compiled.

One of the proverbs in Heywood's collection is "The loss of wealth is loss of dirt, as sages in all times assert; the happy man's without a shirt." This proverb speaks to the idea that material wealth is ultimately unimportant and that true happiness does not come from possessions. Heywood uses humor and irony to make this point, suggesting that a truly happy man is one who is so content with his life that he doesn't even need a shirt.