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

Clay Clark: Increase Net Worth

Clay Clark Money Quote saying giving more than is expected of you along with business networking increase net worth. Clay Clark said:
 

 

“The habit of doing more than you are paid for can benefit any business that sells a product or service. Learning and understanding the principle of the mastermind philosophy of networking can increase the value of your network and your net worth” — Clay Clark

In this quote, Clay Clark seems to be emphasizing the benefits of developing a strong professional network and going above and beyond in one’s work. Specifically:

• Clark suggests that making a habit of consistently doing “more than you are paid for” in your job or business can significantly benefit any company “that sells a product or service.”
• He implies that exceeding expectations builds loyalty, trust and positive word-of-mouth that aids sales and growth.
• Clark also notes that mastering “the principle of the mastermind philosophy of networking” – likely referring to collaboration and exchanging value within one’s connections – can boost both the “value of your network” and one’s own “net worth” over time.

The best interpretation is that Clark believes applying networking best practices and a work ethic of over-delivering can enrich one’s professional relationships as well as one’s own career and finances according to his perspective on cultivating valuable connections and maximizing one’s contributions through a diligent approach. His quote conveys the potential longer-term benefits of investing in one’s network and performance.

George Orwell: Money Writes Books

George Orwell Money Quote saying there is not anything a writer cares about but money because it is at the core of both creation and sale of the work. George Orwell said:
 

 

“Money writes books, money sells them. Give me not righteousness, O lord, give me money, only money” — George Orwell

#NationalBookLoversDay August 9

George Orwell expresses the idea that financial support is necessary for writing and publishing books. Orwell is saying that money is needed to fund the creation of books through things like paying writers and editors. Money is also needed to sell and distribute books through marketing and distribution channels.

With this quote, Orwell seems to be acknowledging that commercial success and financial rewards are important motivators for writers. While he may have preferred ideals like righteousness, Orwell recognizes that practical concerns like having enough money to support his writing career were also significant factors.

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

Toni Fan: Digital Trail Worth Money

Toni Fan Money Quote saying digital data trails are highly valued by companies, but we don’t get compensated for any of that value by those who find it so valuable. Toni Fan said:
 

 

“Your digital trail is worth huge amounts of money to corporations and other institutions. Yet you never get to share in its value. Not only that, you barely know who collects it, who sells it, and who buys it” — Toni Fan

In this quote, Toni Fan is pointing out how personal data generated by individuals online has great monetary value for companies but people see little direct benefit or control over how their information is used. The best interpretation is that Fan believes corporations profit greatly by collecting, analyzing and selling people’s digital footprints and behavioral data, but ordinary users see none of these financial returns.

They also have limited visibility into the full process of who exactly gathers their data, who it is shared with for further commercial use through secondary sales. Fan views this as an imbalance where individuals’ digital data is a highly lucrative commodity for others but people themselves are largely in the dark about its exploitation and do not share in the wealth it creates.

The overall message is one of concern over how personal digital information fuels a large, opaque economy without much reciprocity or transparency for those whose data is being monetized.