True affluence is physical, bodily?

In ancient Latin, the term “affluentia” was used more broadly than its modern English descendant “affluence.” The Latin “affluentia” referred not just to material wealth or abundance, but to a flow or influx of anything, not limited to physical resources. It could describe an abundance of non-material things as well, such as virtues, health, or even people. The concept was closely tied to the idea of things flowing towards a place or person, much like a river flows and brings with it nutrients that enrich the land.The Romans, with their highly developed social structures and philosophical systems, often used the term in contexts that emphasized the natural or moral order of things. Wealth and resources were seen not just in terms of material accumulation but also in relation to the well-being of the community and the individual’s role within it. Thus, “affluentia” in ancient Rome could encompass a wide range of abundances, from the tangible and material to the abstract and moral.The emphasis on flow and abundance also reflects the Roman appreciation for the balance between excess and deficiency, a concept important in their philosophy, ethics, and understanding of the cosmos. The idea that something could flow towards a person or a place, enriching it without overwhelming it, would have resonated with Roman ideals of moderation and the harmonious distribution of resources within society.

The word “affluence” comes from the Latin word “affluentia,” which itself is derived from “affluere.” “Affluere” means “to flow to” and is a compound of “ad-” (to) and “fluere” (to flow). The meaning of “affluence” as we understand it today—relating to wealth, abundance, and a flowing supply of material goods—evolved over time, echoing the idea of prosperity as something that flows towards a person or community. This etymology highlights a metaphorical connection between the natural flow of water and the accumulation of wealth, suggesting a state where resources come to someone in abundance and without interruption.