Money by Agnes Repplier (1914)
"Money" by Agnes Repplier is an essay that explores the complex relationship between society and wealth. Repplier critiques the pervasive obsession with money, highlighting how it has become a dominant force in modern life, overshadowing other values and pursuits. She references historical figures and events to illustrate that the desire for wealth is not a new phenomenon, but its expression has become more pronounced in contemporary times. The essay discusses how money influences various aspects of life, from education to politics, and how it often dictates social status and personal worth. Repplier argues that this fixation on wealth can lead to moral decay, as people prioritize financial gain over integrity and independence. She emphasizes the importance of maintaining a balance between material success and ethical principles, suggesting that true freedom and happiness come from self-respect and independence rather than the accumulation of wealth.
By Agnes Repplier · First published 1914 · Genre: Social Criticism, Economic Commentary, Sociological Essay · 4,747 words
First lines
"As the world is, and will be, 'tis a sort of duty to be rich," wrote Lady Mary Wortley Montagu; and her words -- which sound almost ascetic in our ears -- were held to be of doubtful morality in the godless eighteenth century which she adorned and typified. Even Lady Mary endeavoured to qualify their greed by explaining that she valued money because it gave her the power to do good; but her hard-headed compatriots frankly doubted this excusatory clause. They knew perfectly well that a desire to do good is not, and never has been, a motive power in the acquisition of wealth.
What this Textopian page supports
Money is listed on Textopian as an essay by Agnes Repplier, dated 1914 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Essay
- Author: Agnes Repplier
- Date: 1914 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Social Criticism, Economic Commentary, Sociological Essay, Literary Nonfiction, Philosophical Inquiry
- Length: 4,747 words
- Structure: 1 section, 27 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Money by Agnes Repplier
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Genres
- Social Criticism — Critically examines societal values and the pervasive influence of wealth and consumerism.
- Economic Commentary — Analyzes themes of capitalism, industrial growth, and the accumulation and distribution of wealth.
- Sociological Essay — Explores class distinctions, cultural attitudes towards money, and the impact of wealth on societal behavior.
- Literary Nonfiction — Employs a reflective, essayistic style blending historical anecdotes with social analysis.
Tags
Economics · Finance · Wealth · Currency · Value · Capitalism · Consumerism · Trade · Commerce · Economic Theory · Cultural Criticism · Social Commentary