quotations about poverty
Rags, which are the reproach of poverty, are the beggar's robes, and graceful insignia of his profession, his tenure, his full dress, the suit of which he is expected to show himself in public.
CHARLES LAMB
Essays of Elia
Men are naturally lazy, and require some great stimulus to goad their flagging ambitions and enable them to overcome the inertia which comes from ease and the consciousness of inherited wealth. Whatever lessens in a young man the feeling that he must make his way in the world cripples his chance of success. Poverty has ever been the priceless spur that has goaded man up to his own loaf.
ORISON SWETT MARDEN
Architects of Fate
Poverty is to happiness what appetite is to food--poverty enables us to enjoy the simplest pleasures; appetite, the simplest fare.
CHARLES EDWARD JERNINGHAM
The Maxims of Marmaduke
In a change of government, the poor change nothing but the name of their master.
AESOP
"The Ass and the Old Shepherd", Aesop's Fables
It is easy enough to tell the poor to accept their poverty as God's will when you yourself have warm clothes and plenty of food and medical care and a roof over your head and no worry about the rent. But if you want them to believe you--try to share some of their poverty and see if you can accept it as God's will yourself!
THOMAS MERTON
Seeds of Contemplation
How reprehensible it is when those blessed with commodities insist on ignoring the poor. Better to torment them, force them into indentured servitude, inflict compulsion and blows--this at least produces a connection, fury and a pounding heart.
ROBERT WALSER
The Tanners
Small leisure have the poor for grief.
JOHN GREENLEAF WHITTIER
"The Witch's Daughter"
Money is better than poverty, if only for financial reasons.
WOODY ALLEN
Without Feathers
Poverty is a virtue which one can teach oneself.
DIOGENES OF SINOPE
Stobaeus