Attainment Quote by R. H. Tawney
“A society which reverences the attainment of riches as the supreme felicity will naturally be disposed to regard the poor as damned ... if only to justify itself for making their life a hell.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Religion and the Rise of Capitalism, R. H. Tawney, 1926
A society that prizes wealth above all will dehumanize the poor to justify oppression.
In simple terms: Wealth worship devalues the poor.
Key Takeaway
Question inequality and protect the vulnerable.
Themes
inequality
wealth
morality
social justice
Mood
critical
reflective
Type
ethical
political
When to use this quote
- policy making
- community organizing
- education reform
- advocacy
- philanthropy
Key Concepts
Capitalism
ethical relativism
class struggle
Questions to Reflect On
- How does wealth worship shape attitudes toward the poor?
- What policies can counteract this dehumanization?
A Different Perspective
Such a view can ignore systemic causes of poverty.
![“Too often, contemning the external order as unspiritual, [the Puritan] has made it, and ultimately himself, less spiritual by reason of his contempt.” quote by R. H. Tawney](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/09a/r-h-tawney-25650_contempt_too-often-contemning-the-external-order_429571.jpg)
