Kurt Weill: Criminal Founds Bank

Meaning of Kurt Weill Money Quote: saying one might call a bank founder a criminal more than a bank robber. Kurt Weill said:

 

 

“Who is the greater criminal: he who robs a bank or he who founds one?” — Kurt Weill

Kurt Weil is questioning societal views of what constitutes criminal behavior in the financial system. His quote suggests that founding a bank, which can legally engage in lending practices like charging interest, may be seen as more criminal than an individual robbing one bank.

Weil appears to believe some banking activities like predatory lending can harm many more people than a single bank robbery, even if founding and operating banks is a legal business.

Overall, the quote challenges the assumption that those who operate within the law cannot be considered the “greater criminal” compared to outlaws, if their lawful actions seriously damage society or individuals on a large scale through unfair or unethical practices.

Jean de la Bruyere: Robs Himself

Jean de la Bruyere Money Quote saying that being extremely thrifty takes money from family, but a miserly person steals from themselves. Jean de la Bruyere said:
 

 

“The spendthrift robs his heirs the miser robs himself” — Jean de la Bruyere

In this quote, Jean de la Bruyere is contrasting the behaviors and impacts of two different types of financially unwise individuals – the spendthrift and the miser.

Specifically, he notes that a spendthrift, who recklessly wastes money on excess or frivolous expenses, effectively “robs” or deprives their heirs (those who would inherit their estate) of the wealth that should be passed down.

However, Bruyere also states that a miser, who is overly frugal to the point of being stingy and refuses to spend any money even on themselves, paradoxically “robs” themselves by denying themselves the enjoyment or benefits that their wealth could provide while they are alive.

The best interpretation is that Bruyere believed both extremes – being either too free or too tight with money – were flawed approaches that ultimately hurt either oneself or others. A balanced attitude towards spending and saving was implied to be preferable to either extreme according to Bruyere’s perspective.

Birthday: August 16, 1645 – Death: May 11, 1696

George Bernard Shaw: Taxed vs. Funded

George Bernard Shaw Tax Quote saying when one group is taxed to fund another, the funded applaud the spending. George Bernard Shaw said:
 

 

“A government which robs Peter to pay Paul can always depend on the support of Paul” — George Bernard Shaw

In this quote, George Bernard Shaw is commenting critically on the political implications of redistributive policies. His point is that a government which funds popular programs by taxing some groups (“robbing Peter”) can generally rely on the political backing of the groups receiving the benefits (“paying Paul”).

Shaw suggests that even if the methods of funding are inequitable, taking from one constituency to give to another will tend to guarantee the support of the constituency gaining resources.

In essence, the quote conveys Shaw’s perspective that governments can maintain the backing of voters who benefit from taxation of others, even if the tax policies themselves may not be fair or economically optimal. He acknowledges how the politics of redistribution incentivize favoring some groups over others for the sake of securing political backing.

Birthday: July 26, 1856 – Death: November 2, 1950

George Bernard Shaw: Government Rob & Pay

George Bernard Shaw Money Quote pokes fun at those not targeted by taxes, fees and government levies, who will always support the taxation and charging of others when it benefits them.
 

 

“A government which robs Peter to pay Paul can always depend on the support of Paul” — George Bernard Shaw

This quote is criticizing governments that redistribute wealth through taxation. George Bernard Shaw is saying that a government will always have the support of those who benefit from taxation (“Paul”), even if that taxation requires taking from others against their will (“robbing Peter”).

The implication is that governments can depend on the support of recipients of government programs and services, paid for by taxing others, rather than widespread popular support for the taxation itself.

In summary, the quote suggests that governments are more likely to be supported by those who receive direct benefits from taxation and spending, rather than those who are actually being taxed.

Birthday: July 26, 1856 – Death: November 2, 1950