The Plight of the Rich Man in a Democracy

Autor: Annie Marion MacLean
Rok vydání: 1915
Předmět:
Zdroj: American Journal of Sociology. 21:339-344
ISSN: 1537-5390
0002-9602
DOI: 10.1086/212503
Popis: Centuries ago it was written that a camel could pass through the eye of a needle with greater ease than a rich man could enter the kingdom of heaven. A misinterpretation of the idea contained in this statement has developed through the ages into what appears to be a popular belief that the rich man is destined to eternal perdition. As a result of this seemingly popular belief it has become a much-lauded pastime to torment the rich man through his life with a recital of his alleged vices, in order that he may be prepared, in a measure at least, for the damnation which will be his eventually. This attitude is psychologically interesting, and it may be profitable, or at least entertaining, to discuss for a little the causes and possible effect of such a widespread feeling of antagonism toward any one man, taken as typifying a class. That the feeling is widespread cannot be denied by those who are in touch with the times. Prejudice against the millionaire is evident on all sides, except perhaps in social circles, where he is sought by those who would climb by his aid. Does he aspire to serve his country, his state, or his city, there are those who quickly intimate that his place, like woman's, is at home, or at least remote from the councils of men. Does he essay to be a teacher of morals or religion, scoffers are at hand to question his motives. Thus does the rich man find himself handicapped by prejudice, if not by actual ill-feeling. Some accept the limitations placed upon them by their fellows, and with a shrug plunge into the pleasures that money can buy, and thus bring added odium upon themselves. " Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself " is a maxim evidently ill-adapted to present-day conditions, and can easily be relegated
Databáze: OpenAIRE
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