Appeals Quote by Livy
“We feel public misfortunes just so far as they affect our private circumstances, and nothing of this nature appeals more directly to us than the loss of money.”
About This Quote
Source Historical: Roman History by Livy, 1st century BC
People focus on personal impact of crises, especially financial loss, because it directly affects them.
In simple terms: We notice misfortunes mainly when they hit our wallets.
Recognize bias toward personal stakes.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- personal finance
- public policy
- crisis management
- media reporting
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How does personal bias shape public response?
- What non‑financial crises deserve attention?
Not all misfortunes are financial; other harms matter too.