The world appears like a great family, Whose lord, oppressed with pride and poverty, (That to the few great bounty he may show) Is fain to starve the numerous train below.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The world is compared to a family where the lord starves the many to show bounty to the few.
- In plain terms
- The rich take from the poor to give to a small group.
- What can you take from it?
- Wealth often flows to the few at the expense of the many.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Who benefits from current systems?
- How is wealth truly distributed?
Another view
It simplifies complex economic systems into a single metaphor.
More from John, 2nd Earl of Rochester Wilmot
Dead we become the lumber of the world.
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