Skip to content

From top to bottom of the ladder, greed is aroused without…

“From top to bottom of the ladder, greed is aroused without knowing where to find ultimate foothold. Nothing can calm it, since its goal is far beyond all it can attain. Reality seems valueless by comparison with the dreams of fevered imaginations; reality is therefore abandoned.” quote by Emile Durkheim
Download Open image
“From top to bottom of the ladder, greed is aroused without knowing where to find ultimate foothold. Nothing can calm it, since its goal is far beyond all it can attain. Reality seems valueless by comparison with the dreams of fevered imaginations; reality is therefore abandoned.”

Emile Durkheim

About This Quote

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

Greed arises without a clear goal, leading to abandonment of reality for imagined dreams.

In simple terms: Greed lacks direction, causing escapism.

Key Takeaway

Seek grounded goals to counteract greed.

Themes

psychology philosophy economics greed

Mood

critical analytical

Type

sociological philosophical

When to use this quote

  • personal finance
  • career planning
  • mental health counseling
  • creative pursuits

Key Concepts

nihilism aspiration reality denial

Questions to Reflect On

  • What realistic goals can replace endless fantasies?
  • How does society balance ambition and contentment?
A Different Perspective

Greed can sometimes drive innovation.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Emile Durkheim

Explore all 87 Emile Durkheim quotes

More Abandoned quotes

Browse all 932 Abandoned quotes