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There is no intrinsic worth in money but what is alterable…

“There is no intrinsic worth in money but what is alterable with the times, and whether a guinea goes for twenty pounds or for a shilling, it is the labor of the poor and not the high and low value that is set on gold or silver, which all the comforts of life must arise from.” quote by Bernard de Mandeville
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“There is no intrinsic worth in money but what is alterable with the times, and whether a guinea goes for twenty pounds or for a shilling, it is the labor of the poor and not the high and low value that is set on gold or silver, which all the comforts of life must arise from.”

Bernard de Mandeville

About This Quote

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

Money’s value is socially constructed; true wealth comes from labor, not the metal itself.

In simple terms: Money’s worth depends on people’s work, not gold.

Key Takeaway

Focus on productive work, not chasing price.

Themes

economics social value labor wealth

Mood

reflective critical

Type

philosophical economic

When to use this quote

  • personal finance
  • policy making
  • education
  • investment decisions

Key Concepts

social construction value theory class dynamics

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does society decide what is valuable?
  • What role does labor play in defining wealth?
A Different Perspective

Ignores intrinsic utility of money in trade and exchange systems.

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