Human affairs inspire in noble hearts only two feelings-admiration or pity.
Anatole FranceRead
It is only the poor who are forbidden to beg.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote suggests that only those in poverty are denied the basic human act of asking for help, highlighting social injustices.
Anatole France's quote reflects the irony of societal norms surrounding poverty and begging. It implies that those who are financially stable can ask for assistance or favors without stigma, while the poor are often looked down upon and punished for seeking help. This observation calls attention to the judgments we place on people based on their economic status and raises questions about fairness and compassion in society.
Themes
PovertyBeggingSocietyJusticeHelp
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech on income inequality, one might use this quote to emphasize the need for compassion toward the poor.
More from Anatole France
All quotes βAwaken people's curiosity. It is enough to open minds, do not overload them. Put there just a spark.
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In its majestic equality, the law forbids rich and poor alike to sleep under bridges, beg in the streets and steal loaves of bread.
Anatole FranceRead
Justice is the means by which established injustices are sanctioned
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There is a certain impertinence in allowing oneself to be burned for an opinion.
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Lovers who love truly do not write down their happiness.
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Similar quotes
Even if you tell yourself "Today I'm going to drink coffee the wrong way ... from a dirty boot." Even that would be right, because you chose to drink coffee from that boot. Because you can do nothing wrong. You are always right. Even when you say, "I'm such an idiot, I'm so wrong..." you're right. You're right about being wrong. You're right even when you're an idiot. No matter how stupid your idea, you're doomed to be right because it's yours.
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Of course God does not consider you hopeless. If He did He would not be moving you to seek Him (and He obviously is). What is going on in you at present is simply the beginning of the treatment. Continue seeking with cheerful seriousness. Unless He wanted you, you would not be wanting Him.
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No one is born a good citizen; no nation is born a democracy. Rather, both are processes that continue to evolve over a lifetime. Young people must be included from birth. A society that cuts off from its youth severs its lifeline.
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Desire of having is the sin of covetousness.
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Everybody is special. Everybody. Everybody is a hero, a lover, a fool, a villain. Everybody. Everybody has their story to tell.
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Let every man and woman count himself immortal. Let him catch the revelation of Jesus in his resurrection. Let him say not merely, "Christ is risen," but "I shall rise."
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