George Orwell: Money Virtue Test

Meaning of George Orwell Money Quote: saying amount of income as a test of virtue means begging is not respectable. George Orwell said:

 

 

“Money has become the grand test of virtue. By this test beggars fail, and for this they are despised. If one could earn even ten pounds a week at begging, it would become a respectable profession immediately” — George Orwell

Orwell is criticizing the idea that wealth or income is used as the primary measure of a person’s worth or virtue in society. He argues that by this standard, beggars are seen as lacking virtue since they do not earn a wage. Orwell suggests that if begging could earn someone a decent salary, it would suddenly be seen as a respectable profession. Overall, he is pointing out the flaws in judging someone’s character or value based primarily on their financial situation.

Orwell is saying that under a system where money is considered the primary test of virtue and character, beggars would be seen as failing or lacking virtue. This is because beggars, by definition, do not earn money from their work and rely on others’ charity. Orwell is criticizing the idea that one’s worth or morality can be judged mainly based on their income or financial success. By pointing out that even begging could become respectable “if one could earn ten pounds a week at it,” he shows how arbitrary and flawed it is to use money as the main measure of a person’s virtue.

Birthday: June 25, 1903 – Death: January 25, 1950

Maria Montessori: Profession Slaves

Maria Montessori Money Quote saying schools fail to prepare kids for a full rich life and instead prepare them to be wage slaves. Maria Montessori said:
 

 

“Schools do not prepare young people for social life but rather for earning a living. They train young people for a trade or a profession. And all of them exercise their trade or practise their profession like slaves” — Maria Montessori

In this quote, education pioneer Maria Montessori seems to be criticizing how schools are focused more on vocational preparation than holistic development. By stating that schools train students for trades or professions so they can “earn a living” like “slaves,” Montessori implies education systems primarily view children as future workers rather than whole individuals.

She argues this narrow focus fails to adequately prepare young people for social aspects of life. Overall, Montessori appears to be advocating for education reforms that cultivate well-rounded growth instead of prioritizing workforce training above all else.

The quote conveys Montessori’s view that schools should aim to develop students’ full potential rather than orienting them solely as future economic cogs.

Birthday: August 31, 1870 – May 6, 1952

Vincent Van Gogh: Career a Spriritual Calling

Vincent Van Gogh Money Quote saying the way we earn our living should be no less than a life mission and calling – not a way to survive. Vincent Van Gogh said:
 

 

“Your profession is not what brings home your weekly paycheck, your profession is what you’re put here on earth to do, with such passion and such intensity that it becomes spiritual in calling” — Vincent Van Gogh

In this quote, Vincent Van Gogh is encouraging people to distinguish between their means of earning a living and their true calling or purpose in life. By stating one’s “profession” is not defined by their job but rather what they are “put here on earth to do with passion and intensity”, Van Gogh implies that financial work is separate from one’s deeper reason for being or most meaningful contributions.

He suggests true fulfillment comes from identifying and dedicating oneself to their spiritual mission in life, whether or not it translates directly into a paycheck. The interpretation is that Van Gogh promotes discerning and following one’s heart above all else, even if it requires non-traditional paths or means of support.

His view conveys that happiness, well-being and the feeling of living life to its fullest potential depend more on engaging deeply in one’s true calling than on any single occupation alone.

Birthday: March 30, 1853 – Death: July 29, 1890

Kevin Costner on Motivation & Career

Kevin Costner Money Quotation saying there are other priorities that motivate some more than career and money-making. Kevin Costner said:
 

 

“Money isn’t a major motivating force in my life. Nor is my profession” — Kevin Costner

This quote from Kevin Costner suggests that wealth accumulation and career success are not among the primary driving motivations in his life. The best interpretation is that Costner finds deeper meaning, purpose and fulfillment from other sources rather than a preoccupation with financial gain or professional status.

His identity and motivation are not defined primarily by how much money he earns or his fame and reputation as an actor. While he pursues his profession, Costner seems to be implying that family, relationships, creative passions or other personal values take precedence over monetary or career ambitions.

According to Costner, money and his job are relatively superficial factors compared to more meaningful inner qualities and life priorities that truly inspire him.