--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Rapine, avarice, expense, This is…" description: "\"Rapine, avarice, expense, This is idolatry; and these we adore; Plain living and high thinking are no more.\" — William Wordsworth" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d15/william-wordsworth-403_adore_rapine-avarice-expense-this-is-idolatry_2673287.jpg" --- # Rapine, avarice, expense, This is idolatry; and these we… ![“Rapine, avarice, expense, This is idolatry; and these we adore; Plain living and high thinking are no more.” quote by William Wordsworth](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d15/william-wordsworth-403_adore_rapine-avarice-expense-this-is-idolatry_2673287.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d15/william-wordsworth-403_adore_rapine-avarice-expense-this-is-idolatry_2673287.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d15/william-wordsworth-403_adore_rapine-avarice-expense-this-is-idolatry_2673287.jpg) > “Rapine, avarice, expense, This is idolatry; and these we adore; Plain living and high thinking are no more.” [William Wordsworth](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/william-wordsworth/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Materialism and idolatry replace simple living and lofty thought. **In simple terms:** We worship wealth, neglecting simplicity and higher ideas. Key Takeaway Re‑embrace simplicity and contemplation. Themes materialism spirituality values simplicity Mood reflective critical Type philosophical social commentary When to use this quote - consumer habits - financial planning - mindfulness practices Key Concepts idolatry philosophical critique ethical living Questions to Reflect On - How can we shift cultural priorities? - What practices foster high thinking? A Different Perspective Changing deep‑rooted values is challenging. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Avarice](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/avarice/) [Idolatry](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/idolatry/) [Thinking](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/thinking/) ## Related quotes > [Plain living and high thinking are no more.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/william-wordsworth/plain-living-and-high-thinking-are-no-more/) [William Wordsworth](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/william-wordsworth/) > [“Plain living and high thinking.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/william-wordsworth/plain-living-and-high-thinking/) [William Wordsworth](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/william-wordsworth/) > [Plain living and high thinking are no more. 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This is…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/seneca/philosophy-calls-for-plain-living-but-not-for-penance-and-we-may/) [Seneca](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/seneca/) > [I am strongly drawn to the simple life and am often oppressed by the feeling that I am engrossing an unnecessary amount of the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/albert-einstein/i-am-strongly-drawn-to-the-simple-life-and-am-often-oppressed-by-the/) [Albert Einstein](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/albert-einstein/) > [Gluttony should be destroyed by self-control; unchastity by desire for God and longing for the blessings held in store; avarice by compassion for the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-of-damascus/gluttony-should-be-destroyed-by-self-control-unchastity-by-desire-for/) [John of Damascus](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-of-damascus/) > [A woman's whole life is a history of the affections. 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