Bare-faced covetousness was the moving spirit of…
“Bare-faced covetousness was the moving spirit of civilization from its first dawn to the present day; wealth, and again wealth, and for the third time wealth; wealth, not of society, but of the puny individual, was its only and final aim.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Civilization is driven by an endless pursuit of wealth, focusing on individual accumulation rather than collective benefit.
In simple terms: Society prioritizes personal wealth over communal good.
Key Takeaway
Critique materialism and promote collective welfare.
Themes
wealth
civilization
materialism
individualism
societal critique
Mood
critical
analytical
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- policy making
- economic planning
- education on inequality
- activism
- business ethics
Key Concepts
economic theory
philosophy of history
social critique
Questions to Reflect On
- How does wealth pursuit shape modern societies?
- What alternatives exist to prioritize collective well‑being?
A Different Perspective
May oversimplify complex societal motivations.