There is one bit of advice given us by the ancient Greeks…
“There is one bit of advice given us by the ancient Greeks, and by the Jews in the Old Testament, and by the great Christian teachers of the Middle Ages, which the modern economic system has completely disobeyed. All these people told us not to lend money at interest; and lending money at interest - what we call investment - is the basis of our whole system.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Ancient teachings warned against interest, yet modern economies rely on it.
In simple terms: Old moral advice conflicts with today's finance.
Key Takeaway
Question ethical foundations of finance.
Themes
ethics
economics
history
Mood
critical
thought‑provoking
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- banking
- investment
- policy making
- personal finance
Key Concepts
usury
interest
capitalism
Questions to Reflect On
- Is all interest inherently immoral?
- How can finance align with ethical principles?
A Different Perspective
Interest can be used responsibly, not just exploitatively.