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There is no practice more dangerous than that of borrowing…

“There is no practice more dangerous than that of borrowing money; for when money can be had in this way, repayment is seldom thought of in time, the interest becomes a loss, exertions to raise it by dent of industry cease, it comes easy and is spent freely, and many things (are) indulged in that…” quote by George Washington
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“There is no practice more dangerous than that of borrowing money; for when money can be had in this way, repayment is seldom thought of in time, the interest becomes a loss, exertions to raise it by dent of industry cease, it comes easy and is spent freely, and many things (are) indulged in that would never be thought of if (they were) to be purchased by the sweat of the brow.”

George Washington

About This Quote

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

Borrowing money encourages reckless spending because easy credit hides the true cost and effort of earning.

In simple terms: Easy credit leads to wasteful habits.

Key Takeaway

Avoid debt; value hard work.

Themes

finance responsibility temptation economics

Mood

cautious reflective

Type

advisory philosophical

When to use this quote

  • personal budgeting
  • business investment
  • consumer purchasing
  • government fiscal policy

Key Concepts

interest risk behavioral economics

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does easy credit affect your spending decisions?
  • What strategies keep you disciplined with debt?
A Different Perspective

Credit can enable growth when managed wisely, but the quote ignores productive borrowing.

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