Constant Quote by William Graham Sumner
“The truth is that cupidity, selfishness, envy, malice, lust, vindictiveness, are constant vices of human nature.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Economics and Sociology, 1905
Human nature contains enduring vices such as greed, envy, and malice, shaping social behavior
In simple terms: People are naturally prone to selfish and harmful traits
Key Takeaway
Recognize and mitigate these vices in society
Themes
ethics
human nature
social critique
Mood
reflective
serious
Type
philosophical
critical
When to use this quote
- policy making
- education
- community building
- conflict resolution
- leadership
Key Concepts
selfishness
envy
malice
lust
vindictiveness
Questions to Reflect On
- How do these vices affect modern institutions?
- What can individuals do to counteract them?
A Different Perspective
These traits can be reformed through cultural and institutional change
![“The yearning after equality [in economic outcome] is the offspring of envy and covetousness, and there is no possible plan for satisfying that yearning which can do aught else than rob A to give to B; consequently all such plans nourish some of the meanest vices of human nature, waste capital, and…” quote by William Graham Sumner](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/9b4/william-graham-sumner-5011_can-do_the-yearning-after-equality-in-economic_454035.jpg)
