"Property is not the sacred right. When a rich man becomes poor it is a misfortune, it is not a moral evil. When a poor man becomes destitute, it is a moral evil, teeming with consequences and injurious to society and morality"
- Lord Acton
About this Quote
This quote by Lord Acton talks to the idea that property is not a spiritual right, and that the repercussions of poverty are even more destructive to society and morality than the bad luck of a rich male ending up being poor. He is suggesting that poverty is a moral evil, as it has far-reaching effects that can be damaging to society and morality. He is likewise indicating that the bad luck of a rich guy ending up being bad is not an ethical evil, as it does not have the exact same far-reaching effects. This quote speaks with the concept that poverty is a much more serious issue than the bad luck of a rich man ending up being bad, which it must be dealt with in order to safeguard society and morality. Lord Acton is highlighting the value of dealing with poverty in order to secure society and morality, and is recommending that home is not a spiritual right.
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