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Hypocrisy Quote by Oscar Wilde

“When they make up their ledger, they balance stupidity by wealth, and vice by hypocrisy.” quote by Oscar Wilde
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““When they make up their ledger, they balance stupidity by wealth, and vice by hypocrisy.””

Oscar Wilde

About This Quote

Source Play: An Ideal Husband, 1895

People often use wealth to mask ignorance and hypocrisy, balancing one vice with another

In simple terms: Wealth can hide stupidity and hypocrisy

Key Takeaway

Question the moral value of wealth

Themes

literature satire social critique morality wealth

Mood

witty critical ironic

Type

literary satirical philosophical

When to use this quote

  • financial analysis
  • ethical education
  • social commentary
  • personal reflection

Key Concepts

Hypocrisy materialism social status ethical paradox

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does society reward appearance over substance?
  • Can integrity thrive without material success?
A Different Perspective

Wealth does not automatically confer wisdom or virtue

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