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What is the chief end of man?-to get rich. In what…

“What is the chief end of man?-to get rich. In what way?-dishonestly if we can; honestly if we must. Who is God, the one and only true? Money is God. Gold and Greenbacks and Stock-father, son, and ghosts of same, three persons in one; These are the true and only God, mighty and supreme.” quote by Mark Twain
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“What is the chief end of man?-to get rich. In what way?-dishonestly if we can; honestly if we must. Who is God, the one and only true? Money is God. Gold and Greenbacks and Stock-father, son, and ghosts of same, three persons in one; These are the true and only God, mighty and supreme.”

Mark Twain

About This Quote

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

The speaker reduces humanity’s purpose to wealth, equating money with divinity, mocking materialism.

In simple terms: Wealth is portrayed as the ultimate god, satirically.

Key Takeaway

Question the moral cost of material obsession.

Themes

materialism satire philosophy ethics

Mood

critical ironic

Type

satirical philosophical

When to use this quote

  • financial planning
  • ethical debates
  • social critique

Key Concepts

economics religion human nature

Questions to Reflect On

  • What values truly guide you?
  • Can wealth coexist with ethical living?
A Different Perspective

Satire may oversimplify complex motivations.

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