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Compassion Quote by Joseph Sobran

“Need' now means wanting someone else's money. 'Greed' means wanting to keep your own. 'Compassion' is when a politician arranges the transfer.” quote by Joseph Sobran
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“Need' now means wanting someone else's money. 'Greed' means wanting to keep your own. 'Compassion' is when a politician arranges the transfer.”

Joseph Sobran

About This Quote

Source Article: Political Economy, 1990

Need reflects desire for others’ wealth; greed is self‑preservation; compassion is political redistribution.

In simple terms: Need, greed, compassion differ.

Key Takeaway

Distinguish motives behind economic actions.

Themes

politics economics ethics

Mood

critical analytical

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • policy analysis
  • public debate
  • social activism

Key Concepts

need vs greed political compassion

Questions to Reflect On

  • What drives your economic choices?
  • How does compassion differ from self‑interest?
A Different Perspective

Motives can be complex.

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