Argument Quote by Theognis of Megara
“Ram, ass, and horse, my Kyrnos, we look over With care, and seek good stock for good to cover; And yet the best men make no argument, But wed, for money, runts of poor descent. So too a woman will demean her state And spurn the better for the richer mate. Money's the cry. Good stock to bad is wed And bad to good, till all the world's cross-bred. No wonder if the country's breed declines- Mixed metal, Kyrnos, that but dimly shines.”
About This Quote
The poet warns that societal decay stems from prioritizing wealth and status over virtue, leading to mismatched unions and a decline in collective quality.
In simple terms: Chasing money over character harms society.
Key Takeaway
Values shape societal health.
Themes
wealth
marriage
social hierarchy
morality
decline
Mood
cautionary
melancholic
critical
Type
social critique
philosophical observation
When to use this quote
- arranged marriages for money
- class‑based networking
- political patronage
- corporate mergers
Key Concepts
economic determinism
cultural erosion
Practical Applications
- promote merit‑based hiring
- encourage value‑driven education
Questions to Reflect On
- What modern practices reflect this warning?
- Can wealth be a force for good?
A Different Perspective
The poem assumes wealth always corrupts, ignoring contexts where resources enable positive change.
