G. K. Chesterton: Rich Are Scum
on Saturday, October 10, 2020G.K. Chesterton Money Quote saying there is no difference in the character of the rich, regardless of their nationality. G.K. Chesterton said:
“The rich are the scum of the earth in every country” — G. K. Chesterton
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In this provocative quote, G.K. Chesterton seems to be criticizing the accumulation of excessive wealth by some individuals. By referring to the rich as “the scum of the earth in every country”, Chesterton implies that amassing great fortunes beyond basic needs corrupts people and societies. The harsh language suggests he views disproportionate wealth concentration as immoral or a sign of societal decay.
However, it’s unclear if Chesterton meant to condemn all people of means or those who obtain riches through exploitative means at the expense of others. Overall, the quote portrays Chesterton’s perspective that in his view, very high levels of wealth inequality undermine social cohesion and fairness, though reasonable people can disagree on where to draw the line between success and excess.