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Inequalities of wealth, unjustly established, have assuredly injured the nation in which they exist during their establishment; and, unjustly directed, they injure it yet more during their existence. But inequalities of wealth justly established, benefit the nation in the course of their establishment; and, nobly used, aid it yet more by their existence.

John Ruskin#53

WealthEconomicsJusticeInequalityNation

About this quote

What does it mean?
Unjust wealth inequalities harm a nation, but just inequalities can benefit it if managed nobly.
In plain terms
Unfair wealth gaps hurt the country, but fair ones can help.
What can you take from it?
Fair wealth distribution can benefit a nation if used well.

Where it applies

  • economic policy
  • social commentary

Putting it to work

  • analyze wealth distribution
  • assess economic fairness

Questions to consider

  • When is wealth inequality beneficial?
  • How do we define unjust wealth?

Another view

Defining just versus unjust wealth is subjective.

More from John Ruskin

  1. Suppose any person to be put in possession of a large estate of fruitful land, with rich beds of gold in its gravel; countless herds of cattle in its pastures;…

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  2. And with respect to the mode in which these general principles affect the secure possession of property, so far am I from invalidating such security, that the …

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  3. 'I choose my physician and my clergyman, thus indicating my sense of the quality of their work.' By all means, also, choose your bricklayer; that is the proper…

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