Fools acquire first of these properties
I believe the answer is:
assets
'properties' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both human attributes as well as being plural nouns.
Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?
I cannot understand how the rest of the clue works.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for assets that I've seen before include "Valuable resources" , "Possessions of material value" , "(Person's) property" , "One's valuable possessions" , "Personal wealth" .)