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About this quote

What does it mean?
Twain flips the traditional saying to suggest that poverty, rather than greed, is the true source of societal evils.
In plain terms
Twain says lack of money causes evil, not greed.
What can you take from it?
Poverty can be the cause of evil, not just greed.

Where it applies

  • debating economics
  • social commentary

Putting it to work

  • advocating for economic reform

Questions to consider

  • Does poverty cause crime?
  • What truly drives evil?

Another view

It ignores other sources of evil besides money.

More from Mark Twain

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