Innovation Quote by Pliny the Elder
“The invention of money opened a new field to human avarice by giving rise to usury and the practice of lending money at interest while the owner passes a life of idleness.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Natural History, Pliny the Elder, 77 AD
Money created opportunities for profit, but also gave rise to exploitative lending and idle wealth.
In simple terms: Money spurs both profit and greed.
Key Takeaway
Beware of exploitative finance.
Themes
economics
greed
usury
wealth
Mood
cautious
thoughtful
Type
historical
ethical
When to use this quote
- investment decisions
- financial education
Key Concepts
ethical finance
historical economics
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you ensure ethical use of wealth?
- What alternatives to usury exist?
A Different Perspective
Interest can be used unethically.
![“Next came the Patent laws. These began in England in 1624; and, in this country, with the adoption of our constitution. Before then [these?], any man might instantly use what another had invented; so that the inventor had no special advantage from his own invention. The patent system changed this…” quote by Abraham Lincoln](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/449/abraham-lincoln-88_adoption_next-came-the-patent-laws-these-began-in_1828.jpg)
