Viet Thanh Nguyen: So Expensive as Free

Meaning of Viet Thanh Nguyen Money Quote: saying there is not a thing that is as expensive as those things offered for nothing. Viet Thanh Nguyen said:

 

 

“Nothing . . . is ever so expensive as what is offered for free” — Viet Thanh Nguyen

In this quote, Viet Thanh Nguyen seems to be saying that things which are offered for free or at no cost can often end up being more expensive in other ways. The quote suggests that what appears to be a good deal or bargain because there is no direct price tag may burden us through hidden or indirect costs.

Nguyen appears to be cautioning that we should not take something simply because it is labeled “free” and instead carefully consider what other expenses, obligations or compromises may come with accepting something at no monetary fee.

Overall, the quote emphasizes how the lack of an overt price does not necessarily mean an item, service or opportunity will not demand payment through other non-financial means.

Ben Carson: Spend On Education

Meaning of Ben Carson Money Quote: saying we spend excessive amounts on entertaining ourselves and on sporting events which could fund education. Ben Carson said:

 

 

“If we would spend on education half the amount of money that we currently lavish on sports and entertainment, we could provide complete and free education for every student in this country” — Ben Carson

This quote from Ben Carson suggests that the United States spends an excessive amount on sports and entertainment relative to education, and that redirecting half of those funds could enable free universal education. Some key points in interpreting his perspective:

• Carson implies current spending priorities are misaligned by lavishing more on leisure/amusement than developing minds through schooling.
• He portrays education as underfunded compared to other industries and implies allocating a portion of sports/entertainment budgets could achieve education for all.
• However, reasonable experts can debate the appropriate role of public funding versus private capital across sectors, and complexities in overhauling fiscal allocations.
• A balanced interpretation acknowledges Carson aims to advocate greater education investment. But the best analysis considers this perspective alongside other reasonable positions, recognizing the need for open discussion and evidence-based solutions in good faith as conditions change.

Overall, the quote conveys Carson’s belief in redirecting certain non-essential spending. But the complex realities of governance require weighing multiple perspectives in pragmatic, consensus-building debates where experts may interpret data differently yet work toward common goals of sustained opportunity, equity and fiscal responsibility through civic participation and policymaking.

William Beveridge: Master of Money

William Beveridge Money Quote saying that in an open and free society that the government can only control the money. William Beveridge said:
 

 

“The state is or can be master of money, but in a free society it is master of very little else” — William Beveridge

William Beveridge was a British economist who helped establish the welfare state in Britain. In this quote, he seems to be making a point about limiting the power and scope of the state in a free society.

Specifically, he acknowledges that the state has significant control over monetary policy and the money supply. However, he argues that in a truly free society, the state should master or have control over very little else. This implies that individuals and private organizations, not the government, should have freedom to make most decisions impacting things other than monetary matters.

Overall, the best interpretation is that Beveridge believed the state’s role in a free, democratic country should be a limited one, focused primarily on monetary issues, with individuals and private entities retaining freedom in most other aspects of economic and social life. This view favors individual liberty over an expansive welfare state.

Birthday: March 5, 1879 – Death: March 16, 1963

George Choy: Systemize Retirement

George Choy Money Quote saying systemizing retirement obviates being financially free without needing to work. George Choy said:
 

 

“Retirement Systemisation: the whole point of being financially free is that you don’t actually need to do any work” — George Choy

In this quote, George Choy seems to be summarizing the goal behind diligently saving and planning for retirement. Specifically:

• Choy refers to achieving “financial freedom” or independence through establishing a robust “Retirement Systemisation” or retirement planning system.
• He notes that the entire purpose of securing one’s finances is that it enables one to freely choose whether or not to “actually need to do any work” for income once retired.
• Choy implies that carefully saving enables retirees to retire fully from employment if they wish, since their savings can sufficiently support themselves without ongoing earnings.

The best interpretation is that Choy believes a sound retirement strategy is meant to provide the option of complete leisure by removing any obligation to continue working purely for money according to one’s preferences late in life. From his perspective, financial preparation maximizes retired life choices post-career.

John Candy: Pay Actors to Wait

John Candy Money Quote saying he believed that acting is as much about waiting as it is about acting – being paid for the waits between scenes. John Candy said:
 

 

“You don’t pay an actor to act. An actor will do that for free because we love to act. You pay an actor to wait” — John Candy

In this quote, John Candy seems to be making a humorous observation about the realities of being an actor between roles. Specifically:

• Candy notes that actors will happily take on parts and perform their craft without needing to be paid, since they genuinely enjoy the art of acting itself.
• However, he acknowledges that what actors do need to be compensated for is the downtime spent “waiting” between jobs for new opportunities to arise and their next role.
• Candy implies that while the acting itself is intrinsically rewarding, living costs money. So payment is important for supporting actors during periods without work.

The best interpretation is that Candy is jokingly pointing out that payment isn’t required to motivate actors during the performance process itself, but rather to sustain them financially during the inevitable intervals spent not actively acting but hoping for their next job. His comment wryly highlights the business realities of making a career out of unpredictable project work in the entertainment industry.

Birthday: October 31, 1950 – Death: March 4, 1994

John Ciardi: Cash of War Boys

John Ciardi Money Quote saying bodies to sacrifice are the currency of war which is freely spent. John Ciardi said:
 

 

“Boys are the cash of war. Whoever said: we’re not free spenders- doesn’t know our like” — John Ciardi

In this quote, John Ciardi is critically commenting on how young men are viewed and treated as expendable resources during wartime. His interpretation is that those in power see soldiers, represented as “boys”, as essentially currency or “cash” that can freely be spent and sacrificed in battle since their lives hold little true value beyond fighting and dying for others’ geopolitical aims.

Ciardi seems to be suggesting that the lives of young soldiers are squandered and treated as disposable commodities by war planners who do not understand or care about the human cost of their strategic decisions.

The overall message conveys Ciardi’s view that wars ultimately depend on using up “boys” from the population as cannon fodder, while decision-makers remain detached “free spenders” who view soldiers as mere cash outlays rather than human beings.

Birthday: June 24, 1916 – March 30, 1986

Beatles: Money, That’s What I Want

Beatles Money Quote saying in lyrics to the song ‘I want money’ that even though there is no cost to the best things in life that doesn’t help with expenses. Beatles said:
 

 

“The best things in life are free But you can give them to the birds and bees I want money Your love gives me such a thrill But your love won’t pay my bills I want money (That’s What I Want)” — Beatles

In these lyrics from The Beatles song “That’s What I Want”, the singer acknowledges that love and friendship are emotionally fulfilling but notes that financial resources are necessary to meet basic needs and survive in the world. By saying “The best things in life are free” and referring to love giving a “thrill”, the lyrics suggest non-material things like love can be rewarding.

However, the lines “But your love won’t pay my bills” and “I want money” communicate that while love is meaningful, it does not pay rent or buy food. The song portrays a pragmatic perspective that while emotional and social connections have value, money is also needed to live. Overall, the lyrics seem to comment on the complex interplay between emotional and financial needs.

Neil Sheehan: American Workers

Neil Sheehan Money Quote saying that it is now expected and routine that we have basic worker support for basic economic issues. Neil Sheehan said:
 

 

“Ideas of the kind that are now taken for granted in American life — nutrition and welfare support for dependent children; free medical care for the impoverished and the aged; the right of workers to organize a union, to receive a minimum wage, to strike; interracial cooperation” — Neil Sheehan

In this quote, Neil Sheehan seems to be listing ideas and policies that are now widely accepted in American society but were once more radical notions. By mentioning concepts like “nutrition and welfare support for dependent children”, “free medical care for the impoverished and the aged”, and “the right of workers to organize a union, to receive a minimum wage, to strike”, Sheehan implies these were progressive reforms that improved living standards for many.

Sheehan also includes “interracial cooperation”, suggesting racial equality was also once a newer idea. The quote conveys Sheehan’s perspective that over time, social and economic policies aimed at helping vulnerable groups have become mainstream values in the U.S., though they challenged status quos of their eras when first proposed. Overall, he appears to be observing how certain ideas seen as controversial at one point later became societal norms and expectations.

Birthday: October 27, 1936 – Death: January 7, 2021