A Good Name is Better Than Riches – अच्छा नाम धन से बेहतर

Meaning & Explanation

The profound idiom “A good name is better than riches” teaches us that reputation and honor hold more lasting value than material wealth. It emphasizes how integrity and character outshine temporary financial gains.

Hindi Equivalent:

“अच्छा नाम धन से बेहतर”
Literal Meaning: “Good reputation is superior to wealth”

Detailed Explanation

This timeless wisdom highlights:

• The permanent value of integrity versus temporary wealth
• How reputation impacts relationships and opportunities
• Why ethical conduct ultimately brings greater rewards

The proverb reminds us that while money comes and goes, a sterling reputation endures and opens doors that wealth alone cannot.

Real-Life Examples

1. Business Ethics

English: “The shopkeeper returned extra cash to customers, proving a good name is better than riches.”
Hindi: “दुकानदार ने ग्राहकों को अतिरिक्त राशि लौटा दी, साबित किया कि अच्छा नाम धन से बेहतर है।”

2. Political Integrity

English: “The minister refused bribes, valuing his clean reputation over quick money.”
Hindi: “मंत्री ने रिश्वत लेने से इनकार कर दिया, त्वरित धन पर अपनी साफ छवि को प्राथमिकता दी।”

3. Professional Reputation

English: “The doctor’s honesty about a misdiagnosis earned more trust than any advertisement could.”
Hindi: “डॉक्टर ने गलत निदान के बारे में ईमानदारी दिखाई, जिससे किसी विज्ञापन से अधिक विश्वास मिला।”

Usage Tips

Use when discussing ethical dilemmas
Effective in teaching values to younger generations
Helps balance short-term gains with long-term consequences

Similar Proverbs

English	Hindi
“Honesty is the best policy”	“ईमानदारी सर्वोत्तम नीति है”
“What good is money if you lose your honor?”	“इज्ज़त गई तो पैसा किस काम का?”
“Character is destiny”	“चरित्र ही भाग्य है”

Cultural Wisdom

This universal truth appears across civilizations:

• Japanese: “Better to lose gold than honor”
• Arabic: “A good reputation is more valuable than money”
• African: “If you lose money, you lose nothing; if you lose health, you lose something; if you lose character, you lose everything”

Reflection Questions:

1. When have you chosen integrity over financial gain?
2. How can we build and protect our good name?