All things are sold: the very light of heaven is venal…
“All things are sold: the very light of heaven is venal; earth's unsparing gifts of love, the smallest and most despicable things that lurk in the abysses of the deep, all objects of our life, even life itself, and the poor pittance which the laws allow of liberty, the fellowship of man, those duties which his heart of human love should urge him to perform instinctively, are bought and sold as in a public mart of not disguising selfishness, that sets on each its price, the stamp-mark of her reign.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Critiques how all aspects of life, even sacred, become commodified and measured by market values.
In simple terms: Everything is for sale.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and resist commodification.
Themes
materialism
ethics
society
Mood
critical
reflective
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- consumer culture
- political economy
- artistic expression
Key Concepts
capitalism
alienation
human dignity
Questions to Reflect On
- What aspects of life feel most commodified?
- How can we protect intrinsic values?
A Different Perspective
Not all value can be quantified; some things resist market logic.