Accomplished Quote by Robert H. Frank
“Rising inequality hasn't really accomplished anything of value for its ostensible beneficiaries, the top one percent. They've all built bigger mansions and staged more lavish parties. But in so doing, they've simply raised the bar that defines what's considered adequate in these categories.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Equality and Efficiency by Robert H. Frank, 2015
Inequality benefits the rich while raising standards, making wealth seem normal and unattainable for most.
In simple terms: Rich get richer, standards rise.
Key Takeaway
Recognize how inequality reshapes expectations.
Themes
inequality
wealth
social standards
Mood
critical
analytical
Type
economic
sociological
When to use this quote
- policy debates
- personal finance planning
- social advocacy
- media analysis
Key Concepts
economic disparity
psychology of desire
political economy
Questions to Reflect On
- How does rising inequality affect aspirations?
- Can standards be used positively?
A Different Perspective
Higher standards can motivate improvement, not just resentment.
![“[U]nless oppressed groups stick together, and on alliances of self interest rather than do-goodism; nothing can be accomplished in the long run to dismantle the apparatus of oppression.” quote by Shulamith Firestone](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/d7b/shulamith-firestone-12980_accomplished_u-nless-oppressed-groups-stick-together_5485.jpg)
