William Blake: Christianity Is Art

William Blake Money Quote saying religion is more art than money, and money is religion’s downfall. William Blake said:
 

 

“Christianity is art and not money. Money is its curse” — William Blake

This quote from William Blake suggests that true Christianity is about spiritual and moral principles, not material wealth or financial gain. The best interpretation is that Blake saw Christianity as an artistic or creative expression of faith, love, compassion and moral philosophy – not a means to accumulate money or worldly possessions.

He argues that focusing too much on the monetary aspects of religion risks corrupting its original purpose and message.

So in essence, the quote recommends upholding Christianity as a guiding belief system centered around intrinsic human values, community and betterment of society, rather than primarily emphasizing tithing, donations or financial prosperity as markers of faith.

Money should not become the main metric or “curse” that distorts Christianity from its original role as a force for moral and social good through spiritual and philosophical teachings, according to Blake’s view.

Birthday: November 28, 1757 – Death: August 12, 1827

William Blake: Miser Money Bags

William Blake Money Quote saying a miser sees money as the most beautiful of all objects and can be compared to the most beautiful things. William Blake said:
 

 

“To the eyes of a miser a guinea is more beautiful than the sun, and a bag worn with the use of money has more beautiful proportions than a vine filled with grapes” — William Blake

In this quote, William Blake is drawing a comparison between how a miser (someone who is extremely greedy and obsessed with money/possessions) views wealth and financial gain versus how most people experience the world. For a miser, even a single gold coin (guinea) is seen as more aesthetically beautiful and appealing than the splendor of nature, like the sun.

Similarly, Blake suggests a miser finds the worn bag or pouch used to carry money more attractively designed than a grapevine heavy with fruit. This reflects how the miser’s mind is so consumed with avarice that money itself takes on an almost sensual, artistic quality to them above all else. ;

The deeper interpretation is that Blake saw misers as having a distorted perspective where financial wealth becomes the ultimate object of desire, appreciation and meaning rather than more virtuous or life-affirming things in the world.

Birthday: November 28, 1757 – Death: August 12, 1827

William Blake: Distress of a Thief

William Blake Money Quote saying any thief could be said to be in financial distress, but that need for money can’t be said to cause his theivery. William Blake said:
 

 

“Want of money and the distress of a thief can never be alleged as the cause of his thieving, for many honest people endure greater hardships with fortitude. We must therefore seek the cause elsewhere than in want of money, for that is the miser’s passion, not the thief’s” — William Blake

This quote from William Blake suggests that lack of money or financial hardship alone cannot fully explain or justify why someone chooses to steal or become a thief. While honest people may endure significant want or distress without resorting to crime, Blake acknowledges that extreme deprivation could potentially compromise one’s ethics in rare cases.

However, he asserts that most theft is motivated by something other than mere necessity, such as a passion for acquiring money or possessions in excess of what is truly needed. A deeper interpretation is that Blake saw greed and temptation as more common underlying causes of theft than simple survival, challenging the notion that all criminals can be explained or excused by their circumstances alone.

The quote highlights how Blake believed theft usually stems from internal vices or character flaws rather than solely external conditions of poverty or want.

Birthday: November 28, 1757 – Death: August 12, 1827

William Blake: Art vs. Money

William Blake Money Quote saying that money, simply by its presence, has a way of suppressing or destroying art and suggesting that they cannot co-exist
 

 

“Where there is money there is no art’ — William Blake

William Blake seems to be suggesting that where significant money or financial interests are involved, true artistic expression and creativity may be lacking. A few key points:

1. “Money” likely refers to commercial or economic priorities that could compromise an artist’s vision for profit/sales.
2. “No art” implies a lack of self-expression, innovation, or focus on higher aesthetic/conceptual goals when money is the primary influence.
3. Blake portrays money/commerce as having a potentially corrupting effect on art by pressuring works to prioritize monetary returns over creative integrity.

Overall, the quote conveys Blake’s view that artistic works flourish best when free from strong financial influences that could tempt compromising an artist’s vision for public/commercial tastes or rewards. Where money takes priority, the purer, less commercially-driven forms of “art” may be less likely to thrive according to Blake’s perspective.

Birthday November 28, 1757 – Died August 12, 1827

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