Becky Sharp's acute remark that it is not difficult to be virtuous on ten thousand a year, has its application to nations; and it is futile to expect a hungry and squalid population to be anything but violent and gross.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Huxley applies Becky Sharp's quote to nations, saying people need basic needs met before being expected to be virtuous.
- In plain terms
- People cannot be virtuous if they are hungry and poor.
- What can you take from it?
- Basic needs must be met before expecting high moral behavior.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What prevents people from being virtuous?
- Is morality a luxury?
Another view
It might imply poverty excuses bad behavior rather than explaining it.
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