Those who worship gold in a world so corrupt as this we…
“Those who worship gold in a world so corrupt as this we live in have at least one thing to plead in defense of their idolatry--the power of their idol. It is true that, like other idols, it can neither move, see, hear, feel, nor understand; but, unlike other idols, it has often communicated all these powers to those who had them not, and annihilated them in those who had. This idol can boast of two peculiarities; it is worshipped in all climates, without a single temple, and by all classes, without a single hypocrite.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The quote warns that wealth, treated as an idol, wields power over people across all societies, granting false abilities while destroying those who lack it.
In simple terms: Wealth as an idol gives power but harms the powerless.
Key Takeaway
Beware the corrupting influence of money.
Themes
materialism
power
corruption
idolatry
Mood
cautious
critical
reflective
Type
philosophical
warning
analytical
When to use this quote
- political campaigns
- corporate negotiations
- personal finance decisions
- social media influence
Key Concepts
sociology
economics
psychology
Questions to Reflect On
- How does wealth shape your values?
- Can you identify non‑material idols in your life?
A Different Perspective
The metaphor may oversimplify complex economic systems and individual agency.