---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: When the rich plunder the poor of his…"
description: "\"When the rich plunder the poor of his rights, it becomes an example for the poor to plunder the rich of his property, for the rights of the one are as ..."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/87f/thomas-paine-267_dear_when-the-rich-plunder-the-poor-of-his-ri_1059076.jpg"
---

#  When the rich plunder the poor of his rights, it becomes…

![“When the rich plunder the poor of his rights, it becomes an example for the poor to plunder the rich of his property, for the rights of the one are as much property to him as wealth is property to the other, and the little all is as dear as the much. It is only by setting out on just principles…” quote by Thomas Paine](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/87f/thomas-paine-267_dear_when-the-rich-plunder-the-poor-of-his-ri_1059076.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/87f/thomas-paine-267_dear_when-the-rich-plunder-the-poor-of-his-ri_1059076.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/87f/thomas-paine-267_dear_when-the-rich-plunder-the-poor-of-his-ri_1059076.jpg)

> “When the rich plunder the poor of his rights, it becomes an example for the poor to plunder the rich of his property, for the rights of the one are as much property to him as wealth is property to the other, and the little all is as dear as the much. It is only by setting out on just principles that men are trained to be just to each other; and it will always be found, that when the rich protect the rights of the poor, the poor will protect the property of the rich. But the guarantee, to be effectual, must be parliamentarily reciprocal.”

[Thomas Paine](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-paine/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Justice requires mutual respect of rights and property, establishing reciprocal protection between rich and poor.

**In simple terms:** Reciprocal rights prevent exploitation.

Key Takeaway

Ensure fair laws protect both sides.

Themes

justice reciprocity property rights social equity

Mood

thoughtful serious

Type

philosophical political

When to use this quote

- legislation
- community building
- conflict resolution
- economic policy

Key Concepts

social contract mutual responsibility equity

Questions to Reflect On

- How can societies enforce reciprocal rights?
- What mechanisms ensure both groups honor each other's rights?

A Different Perspective

Reciprocity may be hard to achieve in unequal power structures.

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