Fyodor Dostoyevsky: Money Confers Talent
on Thursday, November 10, 2016Fyodor Dostoyevsky Money Quote saying money makes people forever believe that the owner of wealth must be talented to acquire riches. Fyodor Dostoyevsky said:
“What is most vile and despicable about money is that it even confers talent. And it will do so until the end of the world” — Fyodor Dostoyevsky
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In this quote, Fyodor Dostoyevsky seems to be criticizing the notion that money alone can make someone appear talented or skilled. A few key points:
- He calls it “vile and despicable” that wealth “even confers talent”, suggesting it can falsely give the impression of possessing abilities one does not truly have.
- Dostoyevsky appears to be arguing that merely having money or resources does not equate to authentic talent, creativity, intelligence or other qualities required for things like art, science or leadership.
- The quote implies financial success can sometimes be mistaken for or conflated with talent, but that real talent requires innate gifts that wealth alone does not generate.
- By stating this will remain true “until the end of the world”, Dostoyevsky suggests money will likely always distort perceptions of talent in society to some degree.
Overall, the quote conveys Dostoyevsky’s critique that wealth should not be confused with or seen as a substitute for genuine, hard-earned talents and abilities that money alone cannot artificially create or bestow upon individuals.
Birthday: November 11, 1821 – Death: February 9, 1881