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The trade of the petty usurer is hated with most reason…

“The trade of the petty usurer is hated with most reason: it makes a profit from currency itself, instead of making it from the process which currency was meant to serve. Their common characteristic is obviously their sordid avarice.” quote by Aristotle
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“The trade of the petty usurer is hated with most reason: it makes a profit from currency itself, instead of making it from the process which currency was meant to serve. Their common characteristic is obviously their sordid avarice.”

Aristotle

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Criticizes usury for profiting from money itself rather than productive activity, labeling it greedy

In simple terms: Usury is immoral because it exploits money without creating value

Key Takeaway

Avoid exploitative financial practices

Themes

ethics economics greed

Mood

critical analytical

Type

economic ethical

When to use this quote

  • banking
  • investment
  • personal finance

Key Concepts

usury moral philosophy

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does this view apply to modern finance?
  • What alternatives promote productive profit?
A Different Perspective

Profit from money alone can harm economies

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