Borders Quote by Daniel Defoe
“A rich man is an honest man--no thanks to him; for he would be a double knave, to cheat mankind when he had no need of it: he has no occasion to press upon his integrity, nor so much as to touch upon the borders of dishonesty.”
About This Quote
Source Novel: Moll Flanders, 1722
A wealthy person may act honestly only because they lack the need to exploit others; without necessity, they would become deceitful.
In simple terms: Rich people stay honest when they have no reason to cheat.
Key Takeaway
Recognize that integrity can be compromised by temptation.
Themes
ethics
wealth
integrity
Mood
cautious
reflective
Type
ethical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- business negotiations
- political leadership
- personal finance
- charitable work
Key Concepts
human nature
moral choice
Questions to Reflect On
- What pressures could cause an honest person to become dishonest?
- How does wealth influence moral decisions?
A Different Perspective
Even the rich can be tempted to cheat when opportunity arises.
