Last year Quote by Anthony Trollope
““With such a tower of strength to back both his arguments and his conscience, it may be imagined that Mr Harding has never felt any compunction as to receiving his quarterly sum of two hundred pounds. Indeed, the subject has never presented itself to his mind in that shape. He has talked not unfrequently, and heard very much about the wills of old founders and the incomes arising from their estates, during the last year or two; he did even, at one moment, feel a doubt (since expelled by his son-in-law’s logic) as to whether Lord Guildford was clearly entitled to receive so enormous an income as he does from the revenues of St Cross; but that he himself was overpaid with his modest eight hundred pounds, — he who, out of that, voluntarily gave up sixty-two pounds eleven shillings and fourpence a year to his twelve old neighbours,””
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Way We Live Now, 1875
A powerful man uses his influence and conscience to justify large income, yet he willingly shares part of it with neighbors, showing complex morality.
In simple terms: A rich man justifies his wealth but still gives some away.
Key Takeaway
Consider how power and generosity coexist.
Themes
wealth
morality
social responsibility
class
generosity
Mood
reflective
critical
analytical
Type
philosophical
social commentary
When to use this quote
- political leadership
- philanthropy
- estate management
- family dynamics
Key Concepts
utilitarianism
social contract
self‑interest
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you think his giving is genuine?
- How does power affect moral choices?
A Different Perspective
His justification may mask self‑interest rather than pure altruism.
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