INCOME, n. The natural and rational gauge and measure of…
“INCOME, n. The natural and rational gauge and measure of respectability, the commonly accepted standards being artificial, arbitrary and fallacious; for, as Sir Sycophas Chrysolater in the play has justly remarked, the true use and function of property (in whatsoever it consisteth --coins, or land, or houses, or merchant- stuff, or anything which may be named as holden of right to one's own subservience) as also of honors, titles, preferments and place, and all favor and acquaintance of persons of quality or ableness, are but to get money. Hence it followeth that all things are truly to be rated as of worth in measure of their serviceableness to that end; and their possessors should take rank in agreement thereto, neither the lord of an unproducing manor, howsoever broad and ancient, nor he who bears an unremunerate dignity, nor yet the pauper favorite of a king, being esteemed of level excellency with him whose riches are of daily accretion; and hardly should they whose wealth is barr”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Income is a socially constructed measure of respectability, often arbitrary, and true value lies in service and merit rather than wealth alone.
In simple terms: Income is a social construct; true worth comes from service.
Key Takeaway
Value service over wealth.
Themes
economics
social status
meritocracy
valuation
Mood
critical
analytical
Type
satirical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- career advancement
- policy making
- personal finance decisions
Key Concepts
social critique
economic philosophy
class analysis
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies reward service more than money?
- What reforms could reduce wealth‑based status?
A Different Perspective
The definition may ignore systemic inequality.