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The gold-digger is the enemy of the honest laborer…

“The gold-digger is the enemy of the honest laborer, whatever checks and compensations there may be. It is not enough to tell me that you worked hard to get your gold. So does the Devil work hard. The way of transgressors may be hard in many respects.” quote by Henry David Thoreau
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“The gold-digger is the enemy of the honest laborer, whatever checks and compensations there may be. It is not enough to tell me that you worked hard to get your gold. So does the Devil work hard. The way of transgressors may be hard in many respects.”

Henry David Thoreau

About This Quote

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

Hard work alone does not guarantee moral virtue; greed and deceit can corrupt even diligent labor.

In simple terms: Hard work isn’t enough; greed undermines honesty.

Key Takeaway

Beware of greed, value integrity.

Themes

ethics work greed

Mood

thoughtful critical

Type

philosophical social commentary

When to use this quote

  • employment
  • entrepreneurship
  • personal finance

Key Concepts

morality integrity social critique

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you ensure your effort isn’t exploited?
  • What defines honest labor?
A Different Perspective

Hard work can be exploited by selfish motives.

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