Human affairs inspire in noble hearts only two feelings-admiration or pity.
Anatole FranceRead
It is only the poor who are forbidden to beg.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote suggests that only those in poverty are denied the basic human act of asking for help, highlighting social injustices.
Anatole France's quote reflects the irony of societal norms surrounding poverty and begging. It implies that those who are financially stable can ask for assistance or favors without stigma, while the poor are often looked down upon and punished for seeking help. This observation calls attention to the judgments we place on people based on their economic status and raises questions about fairness and compassion in society.
Themes
PovertyBeggingSocietyJusticeHelp
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech on income inequality, one might use this quote to emphasize the need for compassion toward the poor.
More from Anatole France
All quotes βAwaken people's curiosity. It is enough to open minds, do not overload them. Put there just a spark.
Anatole FranceRead
In its majestic equality, the law forbids rich and poor alike to sleep under bridges, beg in the streets and steal loaves of bread.
Anatole FranceRead
Justice is the means by which established injustices are sanctioned
Anatole FranceRead
There is a certain impertinence in allowing oneself to be burned for an opinion.
Anatole FranceRead
Lovers who love truly do not write down their happiness.
Anatole FranceRead
Similar quotes
Of all the tyrannies on human kind the worst is that which persecutes the mind.
John DrydenRead
My concern with religion is that it allows us by the millions to believe what only lunatics or idiots could believe on their own. That's not to say that all religious people are lunatics or idiots. It's anything but that.
Sam HarrisRead
A Christian should always remember that the value of his good works is not based on their number and excellence, but on the love of God which prompts him to do these things.
John Of The CrossRead
Are we the only members of the Galaxy that can actually understand what a galaxy is? Could Homo sapiens really be the pinnacle of Creation - the cleverest critters in the cosmos? If we learn the answer is 'no,' that would affect our philosophies forever.
Seth ShostakRead
April 27. Incapable of living with people, of speaking. Complete immersion in myself, thinking of myself. Apathetic, witless, fearful. I have nothing to say to anyone - never.
Franz KafkaRead
I was sentenced to life plus 30 years by an all-White jury. What I saw in prison was wall-to-wall Black flesh in chains. Women caged in cells. But we're the terrorists. It just doesn't make sense.
Assata ShakurRead