Taxes are what we pay for civilized society
Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr.Read
There is no intrinsic worth in money but what is alterable with the times, and whether a guinea goes for twenty pounds or for a shilling, it is the labor of the poor and not the high and low value that is set on gold or silver, which all the comforts of life must arise from.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Money's value is subjective and tied to labor, not its physical worth.
This quote highlights the idea that money itself does not possess inherent value; rather, its worth fluctuates with societal change and is ultimately derived from the labor that creates the wealth it represents. The comfort and richness of life stem not from the metal itself, like gold or silver, but from the hard work and effort of individuals, particularly those who are often overlooked in discussions about wealth and value.
Themes
MoneyValueLaborWealthPhilosophy
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about the economic crisis, this quote can emphasize the importance of labor over monetary value.
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