“One of the most dangerous things in the world is money; and equally dangerous is power. Both power and money are very pleasant possessions, but they tempt people to be selfish. Men who become rich often forget that they have neighbors who are poor; and they who have power are disposed to use it for their own advantage. They live in comfortable houses, and attend to their own business and shut their eyes and ears to the hardships of the world. They are tempted to be worse than selfish. Being attired in purple and fine linen, and faring sumptuously every day, they forget not their neighbors only, but God also. And this has happened, not only to princes, but to priests; not only to barons, but to bishops, and has made its way into monasteries.”
Dominic (1170-1221) Saints and Heroes to the End of the Middle Ages compiled by George Hodges (New York: Henry Holt and Company, 1911) 209-210.
“Dominic was educated at the University of Palencia, here he spent some twelve years in theological study. He is said to have sold his clothes and books to give money to the poor.”
Rodney Castleden in The Book of Saints (Quercus) 106.