Says Quote by Peter Ackroyd
““from what Purse are we building these Churches, Walter? From the Imposicion on Coles. And are the Coles not the blackest Element, which with their Smoak hide the Sunne? Certainly they feed the Fires of this City, says he. And where is the Light and Easinesse there? Since we take our Revenues from the Under-world, what does it Signifie if we also Build upon the Dead?””
About This Quote
Source Novel: The House of the Spirits, 1999
The speaker questions the moral foundations of building a city on resources derived from darkness, suggesting that using corrupt or hidden sources undermines the city's light and virtue.
In simple terms: Building on dark foundations threatens a city's moral light.
Key Takeaway
Consider the ethical source of your foundations.
Themes
ethics
urban development
morality
hidden costs
light vs darkness
Mood
cautionary
thoughtful
critical
Type
philosophical
political
environmental
When to use this quote
- city planning
- political commentary
- environmental ethics
Key Concepts
Moral philosophy
urban critique
symbolism
Questions to Reflect On
- What hidden costs do modern projects conceal?
- Can darkness ever be transformed into light?
A Different Perspective
The metaphor may oversimplify complex economic realities and ignore necessary compromises.
