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Grandmother Quote by Edith Wharton

“... He remembered once hearing his grandmother... say plaintively: "Why daughter, I presume I can go without -- BUT I CAN'T ECONOMIZE.” quote by Edith Wharton
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““... He remembered once hearing his grandmother... say plaintively: "Why daughter, I presume I can go without -- BUT I CAN'T ECONOMIZE.””

Edith Wharton

About This Quote

Source Short story: “The House of Mirth” (published 1905)

The narrator recalls a grandmother’s warning that one cannot live without spending, highlighting the tension between frugality and the need for consumption.

In simple terms: You cannot survive without some consumption, even if you try to save.

Key Takeaway

Balance prudence with necessary spending.

Themes

economics family frugality generational advice

Mood

reflective thoughtful

Type

literary social commentary

When to use this quote

  • budget planning
  • family counseling
  • financial education

Key Concepts

Scarcity consumerism intergenerational wisdom

Questions to Reflect On

  • What does “cannot economize” mean in modern life?
  • How do family teachings shape our spending habits?
A Different Perspective

The quote may oversimplify complex financial realities.

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