Advantage Quote by Jean de la Bruyere
“Nothing makes us better understand what trifling things Providence thinks He bestows on men in granting them wealth, money, dignities, and other advantages, than the manner in which they are distributed and the kind of men who have the largest share.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Moral Reflections, 1688
Wealth’s true test is how it’s shared, revealing character more than amount.
In simple terms: How you share wealth shows character.
Key Takeaway
Share wisely to reveal virtue.
Themes
wealth
justice
character
Mood
critical
analytical
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- philanthropy
- inheritance
- corporate profit
- public policy
- community aid
Key Concepts
ethical distribution
social equity
Questions to Reflect On
- What criteria guide your sharing?
- How does wealth affect moral responsibility?
A Different Perspective
Unequal distribution can breed resentment.
![“The court is like a palace built of marble; I mean that it is made up of very hard but very polished people. [Fr., La cour est comme un edifice bati de marbre; je veux dire qu'elle est composee d'hommes fort durs mais fort polis.]” quote by Jean de la Bruyere](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/fcf/jean-de-la-bruyere-575_built_the-court-is-like-a-palace-built-of-marb_77288.jpg)
![“Next came the Patent laws. These began in England in 1624; and, in this country, with the adoption of our constitution. Before then [these?], any man might instantly use what another had invented; so that the inventor had no special advantage from his own invention. The patent system changed this…” quote by Abraham Lincoln](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/449/abraham-lincoln-88_adoption_next-came-the-patent-laws-these-began-in_1828.jpg)
