Dangerous Quote by Henry David Thoreau
“They who assert the purest right, and consequently are most dangerous to a corrupt State, commonly have not spent much time accumulating property. The rich man is always sold to the institution which makes him rich. Absolutely speaking, the more money, the less virtue; for money comes between a man and his objects, and obtains them for him; and it was certainly no great virtue to obtain it.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Civil Disobedience, 1849
Wealth often distances people from virtue, as material focus eclipses moral purpose.
In simple terms: Money can diminish moral character.
Key Takeaway
Prioritize virtue over accumulation.
Themes
materialism
virtue
corruption
Mood
reflective
critical
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- political activism
- personal finance
- community service
- philanthropy
Key Concepts
philosophy
ethics
economics
Questions to Reflect On
- How does wealth affect your values?
- Can you use resources ethically?
A Different Perspective
Wealth can also fund positive change; not all rich are corrupt.
![“Teaching might even be the greatest of the arts since the medium is the human mind and spirit. My three [great teachers] did not tell - they catalyzed a burning desire to know. Under their influence, the horizons sprung wide and fear went away and the unknown became knowable. But most important of…” quote by John Steinbeck](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/84c/john-steinbeck-71_art_teaching-might-even-be-the-greatest-of-t_1738.jpg)
