"When the idle poor become the idle rich, you'll never know just who is who, or which is which"
- E. Y. Harburg
About this Quote
This quote by E. Y. Harburg talks to the idea of class and wealth. It suggests that when the bad become rich, it is challenging to tell who is who and which is which. This could be translated as a caution against the dangers of wealth and power. It indicates that when the poor become rich, they may forget their humble starts and end up being equivalent from the wealthy. This might lead to a lack of compassion and understanding for those who are still struggling. It likewise recommends that the wealthy may end up being complacent and forget the importance of hard work and dedication. This quote acts as a suggestion that wealth and power must not be considered given which it is important to bear in mind where we originate from.
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