Jacques Ellul: Inexhaustible Purse

The quote here is from the book “The Technological Society” by Jacques Ellul, a French philosopher and sociologist who was known for his critical views on technology and it’s impact on society.

“The old dream that has tempted man from the beginning, the medieval legend of the man who sells his soul for an inexhaustible purse, which recurs with an enticing insistence through all the changes of civilization, is perhaps in process of being realized, and not a for a single man but all” — Jacques Ellul

In this quote, Ellul is suggesting that the idea of “selling one’s soul” for a magical inexhaustible purse, a theme that has appeared in literature and folklore throughout history, may be becoming a reality in the modern world. However, instead of it being a single individual who makes such a bargain, it is the entire society that is being tempted by the allure of unlimited wealth and power.

Ellul’s point is that technology, particularly the rise of consumerism and the pursuit of economic growth, has created a society that is increasingly driven by the desire for more and more material possessions, at the expense of other important values such as human relationships, community, and the environment. In this sense, the “inexhaustible purse” represents the idea that technology and consumerism can provide us with everything we need and want, without any limits or consequences.

Overall, the quote is a commentary on the dangers of unchecked technological progress and the importance of considering the ethical implications of our actions as a society.

Birthday: January 6, 1912 – Death: May 19, 1994

Benjamin Franklin: Purse into Head

Meaning of Benjamin Franklin Money Quote: saying education and learning provide the best return on investment. Benjamin Franklin said:

 

 

“For the best return on your money, pour your purse into your head” — Benjamin Franklin

Benjamin Franklin was saying that education and learning provide the best return on investment. By “pouring your purse into your head”, he means spending money on gaining knowledge and skills through schooling, books, courses, etc.

Franklin believed that the money spent on improving one’s mind and abilities would be paid back over the long run through increased opportunities, higher income potential, and a richer life of continued learning. In other words, investing in one’s education and intellectual development is one of the smartest uses of money and resources according to Franklin.

Birthday: January 17, 1706 – Death: April 17, 1790

Benjamin Franklin: Purse Curse

Benjamin Franklin Money Quote saying limited cash means uncertainty and stress. Benjamin Franklin said:
 

 

“A light purse is a heavy curse” — Benjamin Franklin

Benjamin Franklin was saying that lacking money or living with very little financial resources can be quite burdensome and stressful. “A light purse” refers to not having much money, while “a heavy curse” suggests that poverty brings significant difficulties and hardship.

Franklin is pointing out that it is challenging to get by or feel secure when one does not have much wealth. His message is that having adequate financial means helps alleviate stress and open up opportunities, while lacking funds can weigh a person down considerably.

Birthday: January 17, 1706 – Death: April 17, 1790

Petronius: Purse Worth a Penny

Petronius Money Quote saying you’ll always be esteemed for what you have in your account, that is your worth. Petronius said:
 

 

“He that has a penny in his purse, is worth a penny: Have and you shall be esteemed” — Petronius

This quote from Petronius suggests that having money, even just a small amount like a penny, gives one a sense of worth or value in how they are perceived by others.

It implies that possessing financial resources, no matter how meager, leads to being respected or regarded positively.

The quote highlights how having money, even just a single coin, can influence how important or esteemed one feels in the eyes of society compared to having nothing at all.

Birthday c. AD 27 – Death: c. 54–68 AD

Herman Melville: Takes Cash Out

Herman Melville Money Quote saying that being on the road drains both pens and bank accounts – travel is expensive. Herman Melville said:
 

 

“Traveling takes the ink out of one’s pen as well as the cash out of one’s purse” — Herman Melville

In this quote, Herman Melville seems to be commenting on how travel can negatively impact both one’s creative writing as well as one’s financial resources. Specifically:

• Melville states that traveling has the effect of “taking the ink out of one’s pen” – meaning it depletes or diminishes one’s inspiration, ideas and motivation for creative work like writing.
• He also notes that traveling expends “the cash out of one’s purse” – implying it uses up one’s money through the costs of transportation, lodging, food and activities while traveling.

The best interpretation is that Melville believed extensive traveling, while potentially enriching in other ways, can drain both an author’s creative juices/productivity as well as their financial reserves.

His quote conveys the perspective that extensive travel comes at the opportunity cost of draining resources that may otherwise fuel artistic output according to his observation of travel’s impacts on inspiration and income.

Birthday: August 1, 1819 – Death: September 28, 1891

Shakespeare: Clothes Proclaim Man

William Shakespeare Money Quote saying buy the best clothes you can afford and make them tasteful, you will be judged by them. William Shakespeare said:
 

 

“Costly thy habit as thy purse can buy, But not express’d in fancy; rich, not gaudy: For the apparel oft proclaims the man” — William Shakespeare

In this quote, William Shakespeare seems to be commenting on the relationship between one’s appearance or manner of dress and perceptions of their character. By advising to dress in a way that is “costly” as one’s finances allow but “not express’d in fancy; rich, not gaudy”, Shakespeare implies that ostentatious displays of wealth through clothing risk being seen as gaudy or vain rather than tasteful.

His additional statement that “the apparel oft proclaims the man” conveys Shakespeare’s perspective that how one presents themselves, for better or worse, shapes how they are judged by others. Overall, the quote portrays Shakespeare’s view that dress should suit one’s station authentically rather than exaggerate it, as one’s attire inevitably influences how their personality and qualities are interpreted by outside observers.

Victor Hugo: Purse Emptied, Heart Filled

Victor Hugo Money Quote saying when we give we feel good about it and more when we give all we can afford. Victor Hugo said:
 

 

“As the purse is emptied, the heart is filled” — Victor Hugo

In this quote, Victor Hugo seems to be suggesting that financial losses or having an “emptied purse” can paradoxically enrich one’s character and inner life.

The implication is that when material resources dwindle, what fills the void is an increased focus on relationships, community, personal growth and higher values rather than possessions.

The best interpretation is that Hugo believed having less money forces people to discover non-monetary sources of fulfillment and meaning, so that as external resources decrease one’s “heart is filled” by developing greater inner strength, compassion and purpose.

The quote conveys Hugo’s view that having an emptied purse can cultivate a fullness of spirit.

Birthday: February 26, 1802 – Death: May 22, 1885

Monty Python: Facility for Dealing with Rich

Monty Python Money Quote saying in a comedy sketch from December of 1970 that they have every way of extracting money from patients, including completely bankrupting them. Monty Python said:
 

 

“We’ve every facility here for dealing with people who are rich. We can deal with a blocked purse, we can drain private accounts and in the worst cases, we can perform a total cashectomy – which is total removal of all monies from the patient” — Monty Python

In this quote from Monty Python, the comedic troupe seems to be satirizing how some institutions deal with wealthy individuals. A few key points:

• They jokingly claim the facilities can “deal with” people who are rich, implying the intent is not to help them but rather target their wealth.
• A “blocked purse” and “draining private accounts” humorously suggests aggressive tactics to empty someone’s money by any means.
• The most extreme option described is a “total cashectomy”, completely removing all money from the person, taken to an absurd degree for comedic effect.

Overall, the quote lampoons the idea that some see rich people merely as a source of funds to be extracted rather than individuals. Monty Python uses over-the-top rhetoric and imagery in a satirical way to poke fun at those who may take advantage of or show little concern for the wealthy.