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The Jewish usurers are fast-rooted even in the smallest…

“The Jewish usurers are fast-rooted even in the smallest villages, and if they lend five gulden they require a security of six times as much. They charge interest, upon interest, and upon this again interest, so that the poor man loses everything that he owns.” quote by Desiderius Erasmus
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“The Jewish usurers are fast-rooted even in the smallest villages, and if they lend five gulden they require a security of six times as much. They charge interest, upon interest, and upon this again interest, so that the poor man loses everything that he owns.”

Desiderius Erasmus

About This Quote

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

Exploiting the poor through compounded interest leads to their ruin.

In simple terms: Usury harms the vulnerable.

Key Takeaway

Avoid predatory lending.

Themes

economics ethics poverty justice

Mood

concerned critical

Type

social commentary ethical warning

When to use this quote

  • rural villages
  • small loans
  • financial counseling

Key Concepts

usury compound interest social exploitation

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can communities protect themselves from predatory lenders?
  • What alternatives exist for low‑income borrowers?
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