John Ciardi: Cash of War Boys

John Ciardi Money Quote saying bodies to sacrifice are the currency of war which is freely spent. John Ciardi said:
 

 

“Boys are the cash of war. Whoever said: we’re not free spenders- doesn’t know our like” — John Ciardi

In this quote, John Ciardi is critically commenting on how young men are viewed and treated as expendable resources during wartime. His interpretation is that those in power see soldiers, represented as “boys”, as essentially currency or “cash” that can freely be spent and sacrificed in battle since their lives hold little true value beyond fighting and dying for others’ geopolitical aims.

Ciardi seems to be suggesting that the lives of young soldiers are squandered and treated as disposable commodities by war planners who do not understand or care about the human cost of their strategic decisions.

The overall message conveys Ciardi’s view that wars ultimately depend on using up “boys” from the population as cannon fodder, while decision-makers remain detached “free spenders” who view soldiers as mere cash outlays rather than human beings.

Birthday: June 24, 1916 – March 30, 1986

Howard Davidowitz: Profligate Debt

Howard Davidowitz Money Quote saying the government owes big and we spend big. Howard Davidowitz said:
 

 

“The big picture is that we’re a debtor nation but remain the most profligate spenders” — Howard Davidowitz

In this quote, Howard Davidowitz seems to be criticizing spending habits in the United States despite significant debt levels. By describing the country as “a debtor nation” but also “the most profligate spenders”, Davidowitz implies the nation’s spending exceeds its means and income.

The quote conveys Davidowitz’s perspective that even though the US owes large sums, it continues habits of wasteful overspending rather than living within its financial capabilities given debt obligations.

Overall, he appears to be arguing the country spends recklessly like a spendthrift despite a substantial debt load, and advocating for more prudent fiscal discipline and priorities that align spending with actual revenue rather than relying on borrowing to fund excess consumption.

Benjamin Franklin on Spending vs. Lending

Benjamin Franklin Money Quotation saying those who are good at spending money are less good at knowing how to carefully lend cash to others. Benjamin Franklin said:
 

 

“Great spenders are bad lenders” — Benjamin Franklin

Benjamin Franklin is saying that people who spend a lot of money freely are not good at lending money to others carefully. He means that those who are free spenders tend to be less responsible with money that does not belong to them.

Franklin is advising that people who spend lavishly are not as trustworthy when it comes to lending money, as they may not take as much care in ensuring the money is paid back. In this quote, Franklin is highlighting the importance of being prudent with spending and lending.

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