Borrow Quote by Gotthold Ephraim Lessing
“To borrow scarce is better than to beg; As lending, lending upon interest, Scarce better is than stealing.”
About This Quote
Source Play: “Minna von Barnhelm”, 1767
Borrowing is preferable to begging; lending with interest is better than stealing.
In simple terms: Borrow, don’t beg; interest better than theft.
Choose ethical borrowing.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- financial advice
- ethical debates
- education
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- When is borrowing ethical?
- What alternatives exist to interest?
Interest can exploit the poor.