behavior, expenses or equipment that far exceed the average standard of living of a society From Wikiquote, the free quote compendium
Where could I find enough leather to cover the whole earth? But by the leather of one pair of sandals the earth will be covered. ~ Santideva
Luxury is a state of wealth and comfort, often through the ownership and enjoyment of things that are expensive and usually unnecessary for survival.
Coarse are his meals, the fortune of the chase, Amidst the running stream he slakes his thirst, Toils all the day, and, at th' approach of night On the first friendly bank he throws him down, Or rests his head upon a rock 'till morn: Then rises fresh, pursues his wonted game, And if the following day he chance to find A new repast, or an untasted spring, Blesses his stars, and thinks it luxury.
The superfluity of the rich is necessary to the poor. If you hold on to superfluous items, then, your are keeping what belongs to someone else.
Augustine of Hippo, Exposition of Psalm 147, Exposition of the Psalms, as translated by Maria Boulding (2004), vol. 5, p. 454
To treat a poor wretch with a bottle of Burgundy, and fill his snuff-box, is like giving a pair of laced ruffles to a man that has never a shirt on his back.
Sofas 'twas half a sin to sit upon, So costly were they; carpets, every stitch Of workmanship so rare, they make you wish You could glide o'er them like a golden fish.
Then there is that glorious Epicurean paradox, uttered by my friend, the Historian in one of his flashing moments: "Give us the luxuries of life, and we will dispense with its necessaries."
Luxury and dissipation, soft and gentle as their approaches are, and silently as they throw their silken chains about the heart, enslave it more than the most active and turbulent vices.
Rings put upon his fingers, A most delicious banquet by his bed, And brave attendants near him when he wakes, Would not the beggar then forget himself?