H. L. Mencken on Overestimation of Value
on Friday, March 28, 2014H. L. Mencken Money Quotation saying our society puts more currency in cash than the value it actually holds. H. L. Mencken said:
“The chief value of money lies in the fact that one lives in a world in which it is overestimated” — H. L. Mencken
This quote from H.L. Mencken suggests that money holds most value and importance because it is excessively idolized and prioritized within society.
The best interpretation is that Mencken believed placing too much emphasis on wealth and financial gain is misguided, yet this overestimation is what makes money so influential and impactful.
According to Mencken, money would not command such power and significance if its true worth were properly understood rather than overrated.
The implication seems to be that Mencken saw money as more of a social construct than an intrinsic good, and its perceived worth comes more from how highly it is esteemed by others rather than any inherent quality. Mencken appears to be criticizing the tendency to elevate money above its actual merit and utility.
Birthday: September 12, 1880 – Death: January 29, 1956