Skip to content

Kings do with men as with pieces of money; they give them…

“Kings do with men as with pieces of money; they give them what value they please, and we are obliged to receive them at their current and not at their real value.” quote by Francois de La Rochefoucauld
Download Open image
“Kings do with men as with pieces of money; they give them what value they please, and we are obliged to receive them at their current and not at their real value.”

Francois de La Rochefoucauld

About This Quote

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

People are treated as commodities, valued only by what others assign, not their true worth.

In simple terms: People are judged by others' opinions, not intrinsic value.

Key Takeaway

Recognize and honor true worth beyond external valuations.

Themes

power valuation human dignity

Mood

reflective critical

Type

philosophical social commentary

When to use this quote

  • workplace
  • relationships
  • politics
  • economics

Key Concepts

materialism social hierarchy

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you assess your own value?
  • What systems reinforce treating people as commodities?
A Different Perspective

External valuations can be manipulated, ignoring personal agency.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Francois de La Rochefoucauld

Explore all 1,134 Francois de La Rochefoucauld quotes

More Currents quotes

Browse all 2,019 Currents quotes