Honore de Balzac: Great Fortunes & Crime

Posted by admin on Wednesday, October 3, 2018

Honore de Balzac Money Quote saying Funny money quote that seems to fit many inexplicable fortunes. Honore de Balzac said:
 

 

“The secret of a great fortune made without apparent cause is soon forgotten, if the crime is committed in a respectable way” — Honore de Balzac

 

 

In this quote, Honore de Balzac is making an observation about how sudden, unexplained wealth gained through illicit or questionable means can escape scrutiny if presented respectably.

Balzac suggests that if a “great fortune” is amassed in a way that seems to lack legitimate cause or justification, yet is coupled with an outward appearance of propriety and respectability, then the “crime” or unethical acts that enabled it may soon be forgotten and overlooked by others.

The quote conveys that maintaining a veneer of decorum and conducting oneself with an air of prestige can allow some to get away with accumulating riches through covertly disreputable channels, as long as the precise means are obscured from public view.

Balzac seems to be cautioning that not all wealth of mysterious origin should be taken at face value, as crimes committed beneath a polished exterior may evade detection and memory over time.

Birthday: May 20, 1799 – Death: August 18, 1850

Categories: Funny Tagged:crimefortunehonore de balzac