Frank Lloyd Wright: NYC Greed

Frank Lloyd Wright Money Quote saying he believed that New York was the greediest city run by the power of money. Frank Lloyd Wright said:
 

 

“New York City is a great monument to the power of money and greed… a race for rent” — Frank Lloyd Wright

In this quote, Frank Lloyd Wright is criticizing New York City and the driving forces behind its development. By describing it as “a great monument to the power of money and greed”, Wright suggests the city has grown in a way that primarily serves the interests of accumulating wealth, rather than other values like community or quality of life.

He characterizes New York as “a race for rent”, implying the city is focused on maximizing rental income from property at the expense of other concerns.

Overall, Wright seems to view New York as an example of unchecked capitalism and materialism, where the pursuit of profit through real estate has become the overriding priority shaping the urban landscape, rather than other considerations like livability, sustainability or civic responsibility.

The quote portrays the architect’s negative assessment of New York City as overly dominated by financial and commercial interests.

Birthday: June 8, 1867 – Death: April 9, 1959

Frank Lloyd Wright: Substituting $ for Ideas

Frank Lloyd Wright Money Quotation saying those with vast resources tend to throw money at problems, rather than generate fresh ideas and innovative thinking. Frank Lloyd Wright said:
 

 

“The insolence of authority is endeavoring to substitute money for ideas” — Frank Lloyd Wright

In this quote, Frank Lloyd Wright is criticizing how authority or those in power sometimes try to use money as a substitute for good ideas or vision. He seems to be suggesting that rather than developing thoughtful, innovative solutions to problems, those with authority may rely too heavily on simply throwing money at issues.

Wright implies this “insolence of authority” represents a lack of imagination and a preference for easy financial fixes over more challenging conceptual work.

The quote conveys Wright’s view that true progress requires creative ideas, not just financial capital, and that authority figures should focus on nurturing new thinking rather than defaulting to monetary solutions alone.

Overall, he is expressing disdain for an approach where money is seen as a replacement for the intellectual effort and problem-solving ability that leadership roles demand.

Birthday: June 8, 1867 – Death: April 9, 1959

Frank Lloyd Wright on New York Greed

Frank Lloyd Wright Money Quotation saying power and greed are hallmarks of the city of New York. Frank Lloyd Wright said:
 

 

“New York City is a great monument to the power of money and greed… a race for rent” — Frank Lloyd Wright

This quote suggests Frank Lloyd Wright saw New York City as a symbol of the immense influence and drive for profit that money and greed can wield. He implies the city feels like a competitive race or scramble where the goal is accumulating wealth through rental income by maximizing the value extracted from property holdings.

Wright appears to have viewed New York as an epitome of developing real estate primarily to generate rental revenue through dense urbanization, prioritizing financial gain over other considerations.

The quote serves as criticism of an urban environment shaped extensively by commercial interests and the power of accumulated capital, with the rentiers or landlords comprising a dominant force.

Birthday: June 8, 1867 – Death: April 9, 1959

Frank Lloyd Wright: Wealthy Janitors

Frank Lloyd Wright Money Quotation saying the wealthy may hire caretakers for their lawns and gardens, but many spend all their time caretaking their belongings. Frank Lloyd Wright said:
 

 

“Many wealthy people are little more than janitors of their possessions” — Frank Lloyd Wright

In this quote, Frank Lloyd Wright is criticizing how some wealthy individuals define themselves primarily through their material possessions and wealth, rather than through more meaningful contributions or accomplishments.

By describing them as “little more than janitors of their possessions”, Wright suggests that the main focus and purpose of their lives becomes the maintenance and caretaking of what they own, rather than more impactful pursuits.

The quote implies that for these people, their wealth and status becomes an end in itself rather than a means to higher goals. Wright seems to view this approach to wealth as empty and lacking in purpose or substance.

Overall, he is expressing disdain for those who derive their sole identity and sense of worth from accumulating and tending to possessions, rather than using wealth and privilege to also create or better society in some way.

Birthday: June 8, 1867 – Death: April 9, 1959