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The paid wealth which hundreds in the community acquire in…

“The paid wealth which hundreds in the community acquire in trade, or by the incessant expansions of our population and arts, enchants the eyes of all the rest; the luck of one is the hope of thousands, and the bribe acts like the neighborhood of a gold mine to impoverish the farm, the school, the…” quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson
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“The paid wealth which hundreds in the community acquire in trade, or by the incessant expansions of our population and arts, enchants the eyes of all the rest; the luck of one is the hope of thousands, and the bribe acts like the neighborhood of a gold mine to impoverish the farm, the school, the church, the house, and the very body and feature of man.”

Ralph Waldo Emerson

About This Quote

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

Wealth accumulation can corrupt society, diverting hope and resources away from essential community institutions and personal well‑being.

In simple terms: Wealth can damage community and self.

Key Takeaway

Beware how wealth reshapes values and priorities.

Themes

wealth corruption community values inequality

Mood

cautious reflective

Type

critical philosophical

When to use this quote

  • political policy
  • urban planning
  • education funding
  • religious institutions
  • personal health

Key Concepts

materialism social impact human dignity

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does wealth affect your community's health?
  • What safeguards can protect public goods?
A Different Perspective

Wealth can also fund positive change if managed ethically.

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