Margaret Atwood: Money Imputed

Meaning of Margaret Atwood Money Quote: saying wealth that is assumed & estimated makes heirs suspect of being rich, whether or not they are. Margaret Atwood said:
 

 

“I feel despised there, for having so little money; also for once having had so much. I never actually had it, of course. Father had it, and then Richard. But money was imputed to me, the same way crimes are imputed to those who’ve simply been present at them” — Margaret Atwood

Margaret Atwood’s quote suggests that wealth that is assumed or estimated makes heirs suspect of being rich, whether or not they actually are. She compares this to crimes being imputed to those who were simply present at the scene, but not necessarily involved. In other words, imputed wealth is wealth that is attributed to someone based on assumptions or estimates, rather than actual possession or earning.

Mark Twain: Wealth Incites Money Crimes

Mark Twain Money Quote saying only the poverty of the very poor or wealth of very rich are enticed to money crime by either need and desperation or greed of the already wealthy. Mark Twain said:
 

 

“Nothing incites to money-crimes like great poverty or great wealth” — Mark Twain

In this quote, Mark Twain is commenting on how both extreme poverty and extreme wealth can potentially lead to criminal behavior related to money. He suggests that when people are desperately poor, they may feel compelled to steal or commit fraud to obtain funds for survival or escape financial hardship.

At the same time, he implies that when people are extremely wealthy, their greed and desire for more money could motivate white collar crimes like embezzlement, tax evasion, or corruption. Overall, Twain appears to be making the observation that both lacking money severely as well as possessing a great deal can act as incitements that may cause some to engage in illegal acts in pursuit of even more financial gain.

Birthday: November 30, 1835 – Death: April 21, 1910

William Jennings Bryan: Financial Abuse

William Jennings Bryan Money Quote saying those with financial power denounce as traitors those who call out the criminal abuse of that power. William Jennings Bryan said:
 

 

“The money power denounces, as public enemies, all who question its methods or throw light upon its crimes” — William Jennings Bryan

William Jennings Bryan seems to be criticizing the political power and influence wielded by concentrated financial interests. The quote suggests that “the money power” – likely referring to wealthy bankers, investors and corporations – seeks to undermine and publicly discredit (“denounces…as public enemies”) anyone who dares to challenge (“question its methods”) or expose (“throw light upon its crimes”) the ways this financial elite operates and exerts control over the political system.

Bryan appears to be arguing that those with vast wealth and economic power try to maintain dominance by attacking and marginalizing dissenting voices that aim to curb their unchecked ability to manipulate policymaking. In essence, the message is that Bryan viewed large financial entities as actively working to suppress scrutiny or reforms that could diminish their outsized authority over political and policy outcomes.

Birthday: March 19, 1860 – Death: July 26, 1925