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Riches, the dumb god that giv'st all men tongues, / That…

“Riches, the dumb god that giv'st all men tongues, / That canst do nought, and yet mak'st men do all things; / The price of souls; even hell, with thee to boot, / Is made worth heaven!” quote by Ben Jonson
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““Riches, the dumb god that giv'st all men tongues, / That canst do nought, and yet mak'st men do all things; / The price of souls; even hell, with thee to boot, / Is made worth heaven!””

Ben Jonson

About This Quote

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

Language empowers people to act, but it can also be misused, leading to moral compromise and the worship of wealth over virtue.

In simple terms: Words give power, yet can corrupt.

Key Takeaway

Beware the lure of wealth and its influence on speech.

Themes

power morality wealth language corruption

Mood

cautious reflective critical

Type

literary ethical philosophical

When to use this quote

  • political persuasion
  • advertising
  • public speaking
  • personal relationships
  • media narratives

Key Concepts

Rhetoric ethical dilemmas social influence

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does language shape ethical choices?
  • Can wealth truly dictate moral values?
A Different Perspective

The quote assumes language is always a tool for manipulation, ignoring its capacity for truth and solidarity.

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