George Orwell: Money Virtue Test

Posted by admin on Thursday, May 4, 2023

Meaning of George Orwell Money Quote: saying amount of income as a test of virtue means begging is not respectable. George Orwell said:

 

 

“Money has become the grand test of virtue. By this test beggars fail, and for this they are despised. If one could earn even ten pounds a week at begging, it would become a respectable profession immediately” — George Orwell

 

 

Orwell is criticizing the idea that wealth or income is used as the primary measure of a person’s worth or virtue in society. He argues that by this standard, beggars are seen as lacking virtue since they do not earn a wage. Orwell suggests that if begging could earn someone a decent salary, it would suddenly be seen as a respectable profession. Overall, he is pointing out the flaws in judging someone’s character or value based primarily on their financial situation.

Orwell is saying that under a system where money is considered the primary test of virtue and character, beggars would be seen as failing or lacking virtue. This is because beggars, by definition, do not earn money from their work and rely on others’ charity. Orwell is criticizing the idea that one’s worth or morality can be judged mainly based on their income or financial success. By pointing out that even begging could become respectable “if one could earn ten pounds a week at it,” he shows how arbitrary and flawed it is to use money as the main measure of a person’s virtue.

Birthday: June 25, 1903 – Death: January 25, 1950

Dominick Dunne: Fascinated by Rich

Posted by admin on Tuesday, November 1, 2016

Dominick Dunne Money Quote saying most people want to hear about rich, wealthy characters in fiction – so writers give us what we want. Dominick Dunne said:
 

 

“People are fascinated by the rich: Shakespeare wrote plays about kings, not beggars” — Dominick Dunne

 

In this quote, Dominick Dunne seems to be commenting on human nature and the allure of wealth and status. A few key points:

• He notes that people are inherently “fascinated by the rich”, implying wealth and the lifestyles of the affluent tend to capture public attention and interest.
• Dunne cites Shakespeare as an example, pointing out that the famous playwright chose to write about kings and royalty rather than ordinary commoners or “beggars”.
• This suggests stories about the very wealthy and powerful have greater appeal and entertainment value compared to tales focusing on poverty-stricken individuals.
• The quote conveys Dunne’s view that there is widespread fascination with the lives of the rich and famous, as they represent prestige, intrigue and a world most will never access.

Overall, Dominick Dunne appears to be observing that works of art often depict the upper classes rather than the lower classes, reflecting people’s natural interest in wealth, status and the lifestyles of the elite over ordinary lives of hardship.

Birthday: October 29, 1925 – Death: August 26, 2009