Posts Tagged ‘philosophy’
Henry J. Taylor: Contempt of Money
on Friday, January 25, 2013Henry J. Taylor Money Quotation saying we can’t pretend to dislike money without disavowing the life it supports and enriches. Henry J. Taylor said:
“The philosophy which affects to teach us a contempt of money does not run very deep” — Henry J. Taylor
This quote from Henry J. Taylor suggests that philosophies or beliefs that try to teach people to disregard or look down upon the importance of money are rather superficial or shallow. The best interpretation is that while money should not be the sole focus or measure of one’s self-worth, it still plays a very practical and necessary role in enabling basic needs, opportunities and security in life.
Completely dismissing its value does not align with reality. While excessive focus on wealth accumulation is discouraged, money remains an important tool and resource that most people need to some degree in order to live comfortably and pursue their goals. So the quote cautions against naive or idealistic views of money as unimportant, recognizing that it does make a real difference in quality of life and options available.
Birthday: September 2, 1902 – Death: February 24, 1984
Joseph Addison: Convincing with Cash
on Wednesday, January 2, 2013Joseph Addison Money Quote saying convincing with a path toward cash will most often outwit the thoughtful or witty approach in an argument. Joseph Addison said:
“A man who is furnished with arguments from the mint will convince his antagonist much sooner than one who draws them from reason and philosophy” — Joseph Addison
In this quote, Joseph Addison is commenting on the power of rhetoric and persuasion. He suggests that a person able to draw on clever arguments and talking points that appeal more to emotion, self-interest or popular opinion (“from the mint”) will tend to convince others and win debates more swiftly than one whose arguments are grounded strictly in logical reasoning, evidence and philosophical principles alone (“from reason and philosophy”).
Addison’s point is that while rational, well-substantiated positions informed by objective analysis may ultimately be correct, they do not always carry as much immediate persuasive weight in changing people’s views as more rhetorically skilled, audience-focused arguments. The quote conveys that when seeking to influence others, a compelling rhetorical style can at times spread an idea more effectively than just solid facts and logic, at least in the short term.
Birthday: May 1, 1672 – Death: May 17, 1719