Lewis Lapham: Acquires Meaning

Posted by admin on Monday, July 11, 2022

Lewis Lapham Money Quote saying Money acquires it’s meaning from the uses to which it is put – for good or ill. Lewis Lapham said:
 

“Money votes socialist or monarchist, finds a profit in pornography or translations from the Bible, commissions Rembrandt and underwrites the technology of Auschwitz. It acquires its meaning from the uses to which it is put” — Lewis Lapham

 

 

Lewis Lapham seems to be making a few key points in this quote:

1. Money itself is neutral – it can be used to support a wide variety of causes, from socialist policies to monarchism, and fund both high art and atrocities.
2. Money derives its meaning from how it is spent and applied, not any inherent values of its own. Whether money supports good or ill in the world depends entirely on the choices of those controlling it.
3. By funding any and all activities, from art to war crimes, money highlights how it is human values and priorities, not money itself, that determine the impact of economic resources. Money will reflect and amplify the moral compass (or lack thereof) of its beneficiaries.

In short, Lapham appears to be arguing that money is a morally neutral tool whose consequences depend completely on the values and intentions of those directing its use. The quote calls attention to money’s flexibility rather than any fixed meaning or tendency on its own.

Birthday: January 8, 1935 – Death: July 23, 2024

P.T. Barnum: Acquires a Fortune

Posted by admin on Friday, July 5, 2019

P.T. Barnum Money Quote saying those who work hardest for their money inevitably earn more of it, while those who limit their effort, limit their income. Quote from his book ‘The Art of Money Getting: Golden Rules for Making Money’ P.T. Barnum said:
 

 

“Many a man acquires a fortune by doing his business thoroughly, while his neighbor remains poor for life, because he only half does it. Ambition, energy, industry, perseverance, are indispensable requisites for success in business” — P.T. Barnum

 

 

In this quote, P.T. Barnum is advising on the keys to achieving success and prosperity in business. He notes that many people remain poor because they only put in partial effort and don’t fully commit to their work. However, those who acquire fortunes are those who do their business “thoroughly” – meaning they give it their complete attention, energy and diligence.

Barnum identifies traits like ambition, energy, industry (hard work) and perseverance as being indispensable or essential for business success.

The quote emphasizes that half-hearted attempts are not enough – one must be fully dedicated to their business through good times and bad in order to attain the rewards of wealth and financial security.

Overall, Barnum is encouraging full commitment of both effort and perseverance for those seeking prosperity in the commercial world.

Birthday: July 5, 1810 – Death: April 7, 1891