Edvard Munch: Rich Man Steals
on Saturday, February 22, 2020Edvard Munch Money Quote saying a rich man must steal to get rich and then steals mens hearts by giving. Edvard Munch said:
“The rich man who gives, steals twice over. First he steals the money and then the hearts of men” — Edvard Munch
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In this quote, Edvard Munch seems to be criticizing performative or transactional acts of philanthropy by the wealthy. By stating that the rich man who gives “steals twice over”, first by “stealing the money” through amassing wealth, and then “stealing the hearts of men” through conspicuous donations, Munch implies such charity is self-serving rather than altruistic.
The quote conveys Munch’s perspective that the wealthy can leverage donations to enhance their public image and reputation in a manner that feels exploitative rather than compassionate, like stealing both money and genuine goodwill.
Overall, Munch appears to be arguing that philanthropy by the affluent risks being more about self-promotion and less about selfless aid if not approached with humility and care for how gifts shape perceptions of both the giver and cause, rather than elevating the giver above all else through lavish donations that feel transactional.
Birthday: December 12 1863 – Death: January 23, 1944