Ye friends to truth, ye statesmen who survey The rich…
““Ye friends to truth, ye statesmen who survey The rich man's joys encrease, the poor's decay, 'Tis yours to judge, how wide the limits stand Between a splendid and a happy land.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
He urges leaders to judge the balance between wealth and happiness, warning against focusing solely on material gain.
In simple terms: Leaders should weigh wealth against happiness.
Key Takeaway
Prioritize societal well‑being.
Themes
politics
ethics
wealth
Mood
thoughtful
critical
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- policy making
- community planning
- social research
- public debate
Key Concepts
justice
inequality
human flourishing
Questions to Reflect On
- How do we measure a nation's true prosperity?
- What responsibilities do leaders have to the poor?
A Different Perspective
Economic growth can conflict with social equity.