# Rejection of Materialism in The Story of Doctor Dolittle

> Theme guide for The Story of Doctor Dolittle by Hugh Lofting.

Doctor Dolittle repeatedly prioritizes the well-being of his animal friends over financial gain, selling his possessions and living in poverty rather than abandoning his pets, and later refusing to sell the pushmi-pullyu for profit.

## Where it surfaces

- [Puddleby](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_doctor_dolittle_se/chapters/i-puddleby): Doctor Dolittle prioritizes his animals over money and social standing, selling possessions to care for them.
- [More Money Troubles](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_doctor_dolittle_se/chapters/iii-more-money-troubles): The Doctor dismisses money as a nuisance, valuing happiness and the company of his animal family over wealth.
- [Home Again](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_doctor_dolittle_se/chapters/xxi-home-again): Despite becoming rich, the Doctor calls money 'a terrible nuisance' and only values it for ending worry.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_doctor_dolittle_se/themes/rejection_of_materialism
- Themes index: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_doctor_dolittle_se/themes