Ann Radcliffe: Wise Respect for Fools
on Monday, October 11, 2010Ann Radcliffe Money Quotation saying we have an unwarranted respect for riches, even when they are held by foolish or stupid men. Ann Radcliffe said:
“How strange it is, that a fool or knave, with riches, should be treated with more respect by the world, than a good man, or a wise man in poverty” — Ann Radcliffe
This quote by Ann Radcliffe seems to be criticizing how society often accords more respect and status to those with wealth, regardless of their moral character, than it does to people of good virtue and wisdom who lack riches.
By pointing out how “a fool or knave, with riches, should be treated with more respect by the world, than a good man, or a wise man in poverty”, Radcliffe implies it is strange and unfair that financial means alone can earn one elevated social standing over those who possess superior personal qualities but lack material wealth.
The quote conveys Radcliffe’s view that true worth stems from inner qualities like goodness, wisdom and merit rather than superficial external factors like money and possessions.
Overall, Radcliffe appears to be denouncing how wealth can distort societal values by allowing the undeserving to be esteemed over the deserving based on economic status rather than character.
Birthday: July 9, 1764 – Death: February 7, 1823