Christian Bovee: Contemptible Poor

Christian Nestell Bovee Money Quote saying that being poor is a matter of perception and can be perceived as respectable. Christian Nestell Bovee said:
 

 

“Poverty is only contemptible when it is felt to be so. Doubtless the best way to make our poverty respectable is to seem never to feel it as an evil” — Christian Nestell Bovee

In this quote, Christian Nestell Bovee seems to be conveying that maintaining dignity and composure can help mitigate stigma potentially associated with poverty. By stating poverty is “only contemptible when it is felt to be so”, and that the best way to make poverty “respectable is to seem never to feel it as an evil”, Bovee implies that outwardly embracing hardship or bitterness confirms others’ negative perceptions, while inwardly accepting circumstances with grace and optimism discourages pity or judgment from others.

The quote portrays Bovee’s perspective that poverty impacts one’s reputation less when faced with equanimity rather than visible resentment, allowing inherent worth to shine through external conditions. Overall, he appears to be advocating maintaining pride and perspective in oneself regardless of monetary means as an approach to preserving respect from others in difficult financial times.

Birthday: February 22, 1820 – Death: January 18, 1904

Christian Nestell Bovee: Being Poor

Christian Nestell Bovee Money Quote saying one aspect of of poverty that may ease the weight of responsibility and it is lessened. Christian Nestell Bovee said:
 

 

“In one important respect a man is fortunate in being poor. His responsibility to God is so much the less” — Christian Nestell Bovee

In this quote, Christian Nestell Bovee seems to be suggesting that poverty can relieve some pressures or expectations that wealth imposes. By stating a poor man is “fortunate” in that his “responsibility to God is so much the less”, Bovee implies the wealthy face greater implied obligations due to their means, such as expectations to donate or set an example through conspicuous piety.

The quote conveys Bovee’s perspective that lacking resources preempts certain social or religious duties, allowing the poor greater freedom from external judgments about how they apply their lives and fortunes. Overall, Bovee appears to be arguing poverty exempts individuals from responsibilities wealthier members of society must contend with, such as pressures to visibly fulfill perceived duties that status and wealth are seen as requiring.

Birthday: February 22, 1820 – Death: January 18, 1904

Christian Bovee: Poverty Treated as Crime

Christian Bovee Money Quote saying we should not see being poor as unfortunate circumstances except that everyone mostly sees poverty as a crime. Christian Nestell Bovee said:
 

 

“We should not so much esteem our poverty as a misfortune, were it not that the world treats it so much as a crime” — Christian Nestell Bovee

In this quote, Christian Nestell Bovee seems to be commenting on how poverty is often stigmatized and viewed with disdain in some societies. Some key points:

• Bovee suggests that poverty itself would not feel so unfortunate or burdensome if it were not for how “the world treats it so much as a crime.”
• This implies that poverty is frequently seen as some kind of moral failing or character flaw by others, rather than an outcome outside an individual’s control.
• Bovee appears to believe that poverty becomes a much heavier burden psychologically due to the shame, blame and social disadvantages that come from how others tend to judge and make assumptions about those experiencing lack of financial means.
• For Bovee, it is the tendency of societies and communities to condemn and ostracize the poor that makes their circumstances truly miserable, beyond just the lack of resources itself.

Overall, the quote conveys Bovee’s perspective that poverty is exacerbated and its impacts compounded by the stigma, disapproval and disadvantages imposed by wider societal attitudes that treat impoverishment as a personal defect or transgression rather than an outcome with many potential contributing causes beyond an individual’s choices alone.

Birthday: February 22, 1820 – Death: January 18, 1904