The Christians say, that among the ancient Jews, if you…
“The Christians say, that among the ancient Jews, if you committed a crime you had to kill a sheep. Now they say 'charge it.' 'Put it on the slate.' The Savior will pay it. In this way, rascality is sold on credit, and the credit system in morals, as in business, breeds extravagance.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Moral credit systems allow people to postpone consequences, leading to moral excess.
In simple terms: Credit in morals breeds excess.
Key Takeaway
Avoid deferring responsibility.
Themes
ethics
economics
responsibility
Mood
skeptical
critical
Type
philosophical
controversial
When to use this quote
- personal finance
- legal systems
- public policy
Key Concepts
moral philosophy
social critique
Questions to Reflect On
- Is it always harmful to delay payment?
- How does society benefit from credit?
A Different Perspective
Some argue credit can aid recovery.