Chrematistics
/ˌkrɛm.əˈtɪs.tɪks/noun
The study or practice of wealth-making, especially the acquisition of money for its own sake.
Did you know?Aristotle contrasted chrematistics with household management, arguing that unlimited money-making could become an unnatural and morally corrosive pursuit.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
χρῆμα (chrêma)
“A thing, possession, property, or money—something useful or of value.”
4th Century BCE
Greek
χρηματιστική (chrēmatistikē)
“The art or practice of acquiring wealth, especially through exchange and commerce.”
4th Century BCE
Greek
χρηματιστική τέχνη (chrēmatistikē technē)
“The technique or craft of wealth-getting, discussed by Aristotle in the Politics.”
17th Century
French
chrématistique
“Relating to the acquisition of wealth; a philosophical term derived from Greek.”
19th Century
English
chrematistics
“The study or practice of wealth-making, particularly money-making pursued as an end in itself.”
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