--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: In public, as well as in private…" description: "\"In public, as well as in private expences, great wealth may, perhaps, frequently be admitted as an apology for great folly.\" — Adam Smith" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/cc2/adam-smith-1040_apology_in-public-as-well-as-in-private-expences_2971287.jpg" --- # In public, as well as in private expences, great wealth… ![“In public, as well as in private expences, great wealth may, perhaps, frequently be admitted as an apology for great folly.” quote by Adam Smith](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/cc2/adam-smith-1040_apology_in-public-as-well-as-in-private-expences_2971287.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/cc2/adam-smith-1040_apology_in-public-as-well-as-in-private-expences_2971287.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/cc2/adam-smith-1040_apology_in-public-as-well-as-in-private-expences_2971287.jpg) > “In public, as well as in private expences, great wealth may, perhaps, frequently be admitted as an apology for great folly.” [Adam Smith](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/adam-smith/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Great wealth often serves as an excuse for foolish behavior, both publicly and privately. **In simple terms:** Wealth can mask folly. Key Takeaway Beware using wealth as justification. Themes wealth folly social perception Mood critical reflective Type philosophical economic When to use this quote - political decisions - personal spending - public policy Key Concepts economics ethics Questions to Reflect On - How does wealth influence accountability? - When have you seen wealth excuse poor choices? 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