In the same way the eminence attaching to the mere…
“In the same way the eminence attaching to the mere possession of great wealth disappoints us nine times out of ten, especially if the wealth has been accumulated rapidly. For great wealth is accumulated rapidly by cunning or chance, or a mixture of the two. Cunning has nothing to do with high qualities; it is rather a presumption against them; while chance has nothing to do with them either. Therefore it is that men are always complaining after meeting So-and-so, that he seemed to be astonishingly stupid, though he made a million in ten years and started as a pauper.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The passage critiques the tendency to admire wealth without considering its origins, noting that rapid accumulation often involves luck or deceit, which undermines true merit.
In simple terms: Wealth gained quickly may lack virtue.
Key Takeaway
Question the source of rapid wealth.
Themes
wealth
merit
ethics
perception
Mood
critical
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
analytical
When to use this quote
- financial success
- social status
- career advancement
Key Concepts
social criticism
economic morality
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you assess the integrity behind success?
- What values should outweigh material achievement?
A Different Perspective
Rapid wealth can be misleading about character.