Aristocracy Quote by Mercy Otis Warren
“A superfluity of wealth, and a train of domestic slaves, naturally banish a sense of general liberty, and nourish the seeds of that kind of independence that usually terminates in aristocracy.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Observations on Wealth, 1795
Excess wealth creates dependence, eroding liberty and fostering aristocracy.
In simple terms: Wealth can enslave freedom.
Key Takeaway
Guard against inequality’s corrupting influence.
Themes
wealth
freedom
aristocracy
Mood
analytical
concerned
Type
historical
political
When to use this quote
- political reform
- wealth distribution
- social movements
Key Concepts
social hierarchy
economic disparity
Questions to Reflect On
- How does wealth affect civic participation?
- What safeguards preserve liberty?
A Different Perspective
Wealth concentration can be defended as natural.
![“The law for religious freedom... [has]put down the aristocracy of the clergy and restored to the citizen the freedom of the mind.” quote by Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/895/thomas-jefferson-43_aristocracy_the-law-for-religious-freedom-has-put-do_60865.jpg)
