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Ill fares the land, to hastening ills a prey, Where wealth…

“Ill fares the land, to hastening ills a prey, Where wealth accumulates, and men decay. Princes and lords may flourish or may fade,- A breath can make them, as a breath has made; But a bold peasantry, their country's pride, When once destroy'd, can never be supplied.” quote by Oliver Goldsmith
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“Ill fares the land, to hastening ills a prey, Where wealth accumulates, and men decay. Princes and lords may flourish or may fade,- A breath can make them, as a breath has made; But a bold peasantry, their country's pride, When once destroy'd, can never be supplied.”

Oliver Goldsmith

About This Quote

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

It laments societal decay despite wealth, urging bold common folk to become a nation’s pride.

In simple terms: Wealth leads to decay; common folk can revive nation.

Key Takeaway

Empower the people.

Themes

society wealth decay common folk

Mood

reflective serious

Type

political philosophical

When to use this quote

  • reforms
  • grassroots movements
  • historical analysis

Key Concepts

social inequality political change

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can common people effect change?
  • What role does wealth play in societal health?
A Different Perspective

May oversimplify complex issues.

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