"Someday I want to be rich. Some people get so rich they lose all respect for humanity. That's how rich I want to be"

Rita Rudner's quote is a witty yet pointed commentary on the concept of wealth and its possible impact on one's values and perception of mankind. The humor in the quote lies in its exaggeration, as Rudner reveals a facetious desire to attain such tremendous wealth that it results in a loss of respect for others-- a situation typically criticized in discussions about the moral and ethical responsibilities of the ultra-wealthy.

At its core, the quote plays with the typical goal of becoming rich, a dream shared by lots of who seek monetary security and the comfort it brings. Nevertheless, Rudner juxtaposes this with a darker, frequently satirical view of the super-rich: individuals who might accumulate so much wealth that they end up being disconnected from the everyday struggles and realities of the broader population. This detach can in some cases cause arrogance or a lack of empathy, as they may focus on wealth over human connection.

Rudner's use of hyperbole here is vital. She does not genuinely aspire to lose respect for humanity; rather, she uses this severe theoretical scenario to critique the viewed ethical pitfalls of extreme wealth. The humor emerges from the absurdity of wishing to be so rich that one loses touch with human worths, highlighting a tension in between wealth and the virtues of empathy and understanding.

Furthermore, the quote can be viewed as Rudner utilizing funny as a subtle social critique. It challenges the audience to reflect on the nature of wealth and individual values, triggering a factor to consider of what it genuinely indicates to be successful. Is success merely about building up riches, or does it also involve maintaining one's humanity and connection to others? Through humor, Rudner invites us to question social norms around wealth and the prospective moral sacrifices it may involve.