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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.” quote by Oliver Goldsmith
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“Ill fares the land, to hastening ills a prey, Where wealth accumulates, and men decay.”

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.

The poem warns that rapid wealth growth leads to moral decay and social ruin.

In simple terms: Riches can corrupt and destroy society.

Key Takeaway

Beware unchecked greed and its social cost.

Themes

wealth decay society morality

Mood

cautionary reflective

Type

poetic social commentary

When to use this quote

  • urban development
  • policy making
  • personal finance
  • community building

Key Concepts

economic inequality ethical decline social critique

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does wealth affect community values?
  • What safeguards prevent moral decay?
A Different Perspective

Rapid wealth can also fund positive change if managed ethically.

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