For mines are for men, not for money. And money is not something to go mad about, and throw your hat into the air for. Money is for food and clothes and comfort, and a visit to the pictures. Money is to make happy the lives of children. Money is for security, and for dreams, and for hopes, and for purposes. Money is for buying the fruits of the earth, of the land where you were born.
Interpretation
This quote emphasizes that the true value of money lies not in wealth accumulation, but in its ability to provide security and enhance life experiences.
Alan Paton's quote reflects a profound understanding of the purpose of money. He suggests that money should not be idolized or sought after obsessively; rather, it serves as a means to secure basic needs, enjoy life's simple pleasures, and nurture dreams and hopes. The essence of this message underscores that life's richness comes from love, security, and shared experiences rather than mere financial success. Money should facilitate a happy and fulfilling life, particularly for the younger generation who will carry forward those dreams.
In practice
In a speech about financial literacy, one might reference this quote to illustrate the importance of understanding the true purpose of money.
Cry, the beloved country, for the unborn child that's the inheritor of our fear. Let him not love the earth too deeply. Let him not laugh too gladly when the water runs through his fingers, nor stand too silent when the setting sun makes red the veld with fire. Let him not be too moved when the birds of his land are singing. Nor give too much of his heart to a mountain or a valley. For fear will rob him if he gives too much.
Ask yourself not if this or that is expedient, but if it is right.
One day in Johannesburg, and already the tribe was being rebuilt, the house and soul being restored.
What broke in a man when he could bring himself to kill another? What broke when he could bring himself to thrust down the knife into the warm flesh, to bring down the axe on the living head, to cleave down between the seeing eyes, to shoot the gun that would drive death into the beating heart?
It is not permissible to add to one's possesions if these things can only be done at the cost of other men. Such development has only one true name, and that is exploitation.
If you wrote a novel in South Africa which didn't concern the central issues, it wouldn't be worth publishing.
Peace is a natural effect of trade.
The cure for crime is not the electric chair, but the high chair.
Techniques employ four qualities that reflect the nature of our world. Depending on the circumstance, you should be: hard as a diamond, flexible as a willow, smooth-flowing like water, or as empty as space.
I would say any behavior that is not the status quo is interpreted as insanity, when, in fact, it might actually be enlightenment. Insanity is sorta in the eye of the beholder.
My heart, to put it more simply, got nostalgic for the present. Always a bad sign.
I don't normally talk about my religion publicly because I don't want people to associate me and my flaws with this beautiful thing. And I believe it is beautiful religion if you learn it the right way.
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