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Advent Quote by Dante Alighieri

“I affirm that gain is precisely that which comes oftener to the bad man than to the good; for illegitimate gains never come to the good at all, because they reject them. And lawful gains rarely come to the good, because, since much anxious care is needful thereto, and the anxious care of the good…” quote by Dante Alighieri
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“I affirm that gain is precisely that which comes oftener to the bad man than to the good; for illegitimate gains never come to the good at all, because they reject them. And lawful gains rarely come to the good, because, since much anxious care is needful thereto, and the anxious care of the good man is directed to weightier matters, rarely does the good man give sufficient attention thereto. Wherefore it is clear that in every way the advent of these riches is iniquitous.”

Dante Alighieri

About This Quote

Source Divine Comedy: Inferno, Canto V, 14th century

Ill-gotten wealth is more common among the immoral, while the virtuous rarely gain riches because they focus on higher virtues

In simple terms: Bad people often get more money, good people focus elsewhere

Key Takeaway

Prioritize virtue over material gain

Themes

morality wealth justice

Mood

thoughtful critical

Type

philosophical ethical

When to use this quote

  • political leadership
  • personal finance
  • social policy
  • charitable work

Key Concepts

ethical philosophy economic disparity human nature

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you balance ethical living with financial ambition?
  • Can society reward virtue without material incentives?
A Different Perspective

Goodness may limit material success

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