--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: A rich man is an honest man--no thanks to…" description: "\"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 ..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/752/daniel-defoe-1971_borders_a-rich-man-is-an-honest-man-no-thanks-to_566228.jpg" --- # A rich man is an honest man--no thanks to him; for he… ![“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.” quote by Daniel Defoe](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/752/daniel-defoe-1971_borders_a-rich-man-is-an-honest-man-no-thanks-to_566228.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/752/daniel-defoe-1971_borders_a-rich-man-is-an-honest-man-no-thanks-to_566228.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/752/daniel-defoe-1971_borders_a-rich-man-is-an-honest-man-no-thanks-to_566228.jpg) > “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.” [Daniel Defoe](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/daniel-defoe/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. 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. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Borders](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/borders/) [Corruption](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/corruption/) [Dishonesty](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/dishonesty/) [Gratitude](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/gratitude/) [Honest](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/honest/) [Integrity](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/integrity/) [Mankind](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/mankind/) [Men](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/men/) [Money](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/money/) [Occasions](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/occasions/) [Rich man](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/rich-man/) [Wealth](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/wealth/) ## Related quotes > [Women love an honest man. An honest man that isn't afraid to say, 'Men get hurt too.' 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