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Able Quote by John Maynard Keynes

“When the accumulation of wealth is no longer of high social importance, there will be great changes in the code of morals. We shall be able to rid ourselves of many of the pseudo-moral principles which have hag-ridden us for two hundred years, by which we have exulted some of the most distasteful…” quote by John Maynard Keynes
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“When the accumulation of wealth is no longer of high social importance, there will be great changes in the code of morals. We shall be able to rid ourselves of many of the pseudo-moral principles which have hag-ridden us for two hundred years, by which we have exulted some of the most distasteful of human qualities into the highest virtues.”

John Maynard Keynes

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About This Quote

When wealth loses prestige, moral codes will shift, discarding outdated virtues that have been glorified for centuries.

In simple terms: Wealth decline reshapes morals.

Key Takeaway

Economic values shape ethical standards.

Themes

economics morality social change wealth

Mood

analytical critical

Type

economic philosophical

When to use this quote

  • post‑industrial societies
  • wealth redistribution debates
  • cultural reforms

Key Concepts

materialism ethical relativism

Practical Applications

  • re‑evaluate value systems
  • promote inclusive ethics

Questions to Reflect On

  • Which current virtues might be relics of past wealth structures?
  • How can societies guide moral change responsibly?
A Different Perspective

Moral evolution may be uneven; some harmful norms persist despite wealth changes.

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