Lee Child: Know Lottery Numbers

Meaning of Lee Child Money Quote: saying If you had certain knowledge of winning lottery numbers, how would that change your behavior and actions?. Lee Child said:
 
 

 

“Suppose you knew the winning numbers for the lottery? All of them? Not guessed them, not dreamed them, but really knew them? What would you do? You would run to the store, is what. You would mark those numbers on the playslip. And you would win” — Lee Child

In this quote, British-American author Lee Child seems to be posing a thought experiment about what someone might do if they had certain knowledge of future lottery numbers. By saying the numbers are not guessed or dreamed, but “really knew” them, Child implies this would not be a hypothetical scenario but actual foresight.

His question suggests most people, if assured of winning the lottery, would likely purchase a ticket for the drawing. Beyond just winning however, Child’s quote prompts deeper consideration of how such guaranteed knowledge might change one’s perspective and priorities, from financial planning to relationships to life goals.

It’s an intriguing philosophical question about how certain foresight of wealth and fortune could reshape decisions both big and small.

Marc Hill: Incarcerate Inexpensively

Meaning of Marc Lamont Hill Money Quote: saying We routinely jail large numbers of people in an inexpensive way for a long period of time. Marc Lamont Hill said:

 

 

“We have created a world where there is profit in incarcerating as many individuals as possible for as little money as necessary” — Marc Lamont Hill

In this quote, Marc Lamont Hill is criticizing aspects of the criminal justice system in the United States. The best interpretation is:

• Hill argues that in the current system, there are financial incentives to incarcerate as many people as possible while minimizing correctional spending per inmate.
• He believes entities such as private prisons and related industries stand to profit the more individuals are imprisoned and the less it costs to house and manage inmates.
• Hill’s view is that these profit motives have distorted priorities, focusing on maximization of revenues through high inmate numbers and low outlays rather than on rehabilitation or justice.
• The overall message is one of criticism – Hill believes a system driven by profit from incarceration has been created, which he views as misaligned with ethical principles of proportional punishment and rehabilitation of offenders.

Iain Pears: Profits by Villainy

Meaning of Iain Pears Money Quote: saying If someone makes a profit from crime, they are guilty of committing that same crime. Iain Pears said:

 

 

“He who profits by villainy, has perpetrated it” — Iain Pears

In this quote, Iain Pears is making the point that those who benefit from wrongdoing are as culpable as those who directly carried out the harmful acts. The best interpretation is that Pears believes if someone gains advantage or profit from another’s villainous or unethical behavior, then they have essentially participated in or enabled that villainy, even if they did not personally commit the bad acts.

By accepting the fruits of corruption or injustice, one has implicitly condoned and become complicit in that corruption or injustice according to Pears’ view. The quote conveys that those who reap rewards or privileges from the misdeeds of others should not see themselves as separate or blameless for those misdeeds.
 

Thucydides: Profit Above Justice

Meaning of Thucydides Money Quote: saying the power of envy put Vengeance above Innocence and Profit above Justice. Thucydides said:

 

 

“If it had not been for the pernicious power of envy, men would not so have exalted vengeance above innocence and profit above justice” — Thucydides

In this quote, ancient Greek historian Thucydides seems to be commenting on some negative human tendencies that can undermine fairness and order in society. He suggests that “envy” – a sense of discontent with others’ success or possessions – leads people to prioritize vengeance and retaliation over showing mercy or acting with compassion.

Additionally, Thucydides implies that the pursuit of profit and self-interest above principles of justice can stem from envy. The quote portrays envy as a “pernicious power” that corrupts human motivations, causing innocence to be punished while the desire for gain is excused.

Overall, Thucydides appears to be advocating that societies function best when people are not driven by envy of others and instead uphold justice and mercy as higher priorities than vengeance or profit-seeking at any cost.

Birthday: circa 400 BC – Death: 400 BC

Edward Gibbon: Profitable Expense

 
Meaning of Edward Gibbon Money Quote: saying revenge is for profits so you can afford the expense of being grateful. Edward Gibbon said:

 

“Revenge is profitable, gratitude is expensive” — Edward Gibbon

Gibbon seems to be commenting on human nature and motivation. The quote suggests that seeking revenge is personally or politically advantageous, as it can satisfy a desire for retaliation or demonstrate strength.

However, expressing gratitude requires sacrificing something of value, whether that be pride, money, or political capital. So while revenge yields profit, gratitude tends to cost something extra.

Overall Gibbon appears to be making a cynical observation about how self-interest can undermine virtues like forgiveness and appreciation.

Birthday: May 8, 1737 – Death: May 16, 1737

Otto von Bismarck: Fools Profit

Meaning of Otto von Bismarck Money Quote: saying it’s foolish to only learn from experience if you can profit from the experience or mistakes of others. Otto von Bismarck said:
 

 

“Fools say that they learn by experience. I prefer to profit by others experience” — Otto von Bismarck

In this quote, Otto von Bismarck is expressing a preference for gaining wisdom from others’ experiences rather than having to learn lessons through one’s own mistakes.

His interpretation is that “fools” stubbornly insist on learning solely from their personal errors and setbacks, whereas he believes it is smarter and more efficient to learn vicariously from the successes and failures of those who have come before.

Bismarck seems to be suggesting that history and observing the experiences of others provide valuable opportunities to learn that can help avoid pitfalls and expedite progress.

The overall message conveys Bismarck’s view that it is prudent and advantageous to build upon prior knowledge rather than needing to relearn what has already been established through the trials of others.

Birthday: April 1, 1815 – Death: July 30, 1898

Euripides: Price for Base Profits

Meaning of Euripides Money Quote: saying being a bad person and doing bad things for money leads to paying a further penalty. Euripides said:
 

“Many have paid the price for base profits” — Euripides

This quote from the ancient Greek playwright Euripides suggests that pursuing profits in an unethical or harmful way can have negative consequences.

Euripides seems to be warning that some people have suffered serious costs or losses as a result of prioritizing profits over integrity, morality or people’s well-being.

The “base profits” referred to are likely those gained through deceitful, dangerous or unjust means.

The quote conveys that short-term financial gain should not come at the expense of principles or of hurting others.

Birthday: c. 480 BC – Death: c. 406 BC

Henry David Thoreau: Vague Riches

Meaning of Henry David Thoreau Money Quote: saying No run on a bank can take our wealth not owning but enjoying. Henry David Thoreau said:

 

 

“O how I laugh when I think of my vague indefinite riches. No run on my bank can drain it, for my wealth is not possession but enjoyment” — Henry David Thoreau

In this quote, Thoreau is referring to the riches of nature and experiences, rather than material wealth. He finds true riches not in possessions, but in enjoying all that nature has to offer through observing, exploring, and experiencing the outdoors.

Even if he owned nothing, he would still feel wealthy due to his ability to appreciate nature’s beauty. The quote suggests that wealth is not about what you own, but rather how much you are able to enjoy in life without the need for possessions or money.

Birthday: July 12, 1817 – Death: May 6, 1862