Influence must ever be in proportion to property; and it is right it should.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Influence should match one's wealth, and that is considered appropriate.
- In plain terms
- Power should be tied to property.
- What can you take from it?
- Wealth often determines social sway.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Is influence always justified by property?
- How can merit be valued over wealth?
Another view
Assumes wealth is the only basis for influence, ignoring merit.
More from James Boswell
The best good man, with the worst natur'd muse.
Permalink to quote #3 In every place, where there is any thing worthy of observation, there should be a short printed directory for strangers.
Permalink to quote #5 I fancy mankind may come, in time, to write all aphoristically.
Permalink to quote #2
Related quotes
The landed men are the true owners of our political vessel, the moneyed men are no more than passengers in it
Henry, 1st Viscount Bolingbroke St JohnHenry, 1st Viscount Bolingbroke St John quote #6 There are two ideas of government. There are those who believe that, if you will only legislate to make the well-to-do prosperous, their prosperity will leak t…
William Jennings BryanWilliam Jennings Bryan quote #14 As long as Property exists, it will accumulate in Individuals and Families. As long as Marriage exists, Knowledge, Property and Influence will accumulate in Fa…
John AdamsJohn Adams quote #39