F Scott Fitzgerald Quote About The Rich
Introduction
F Scott Fitzgerald is one of the most celebrated American writers of the 20th century. He was born in 1896 and died in 1940, leaving behind a legacy of literature that continues to inspire millions of people across the world. Fitzgerald is famous for his novels, including The Great Gatsby, Tender Is the Night, and This Side of Paradise. However, he was also a prolific writer of short stories and essays.
Fitzgerald's works often dealt with themes of wealth, class, and the American Dream. He was particularly critical of the wealthy elite, who he believed were detached from the realities of everyday life. In this article, we will explore one of Fitzgerald's most famous quotes about the rich.
The Quote
"Let me tell you about the very rich. They are different from you and me. They possess and enjoy early, and it does something to them, makes them soft where we are hard, and cynical where we are trustful, in a way that, unless you were born rich, it is very difficult to understand."
The Meaning
This quote is from Fitzgerald's short story "The Rich Boy," published in 1926. It is often misquoted as "The rich are different from you and me," but the original quote is more nuanced. Fitzgerald is not saying that the rich are better or worse than the rest of us. Rather, he is highlighting the fundamental differences in experience and perspective that come with extreme wealth.
The phrase "they possess and enjoy early" refers to the fact that many wealthy people inherit their fortunes, or make their money at a young age. This can lead to a sense of entitlement and a lack of empathy for those who have not had the same opportunities. Fitzgerald suggests that this early exposure to wealth "does something to them," changing their character and making them less resilient and adaptable.
He contrasts this with the qualities of the non-wealthy, who he describes as "hard" and "trustful." By "hard," he means that they are more resilient and able to cope with adversity. By "trustful," he means that they are more likely to believe in the fundamental goodness of people and institutions. These qualities are seen as strengths in the face of life's challenges.
The Relevance Today
While Fitzgerald's quote is nearly a century old, it still resonates with many people today. The gap between the wealthy elite and the rest of society has only widened in recent decades, and many people feel that the rich are increasingly detached from the realities of everyday life.
Some argue that this detachment has contributed to rising levels of inequality and social unrest. Others point out that there are many wealthy people who are actively working to address these issues and make the world a better place.
Regardless of where you stand on this issue, Fitzgerald's quote serves as a reminder that wealth can have a profound impact on a person's character and worldview. It is up to each of us to decide how we will use our resources and influence to make a positive difference in the world.
Conclusion
F Scott Fitzgerald's quote about the rich may be over 90 years old, but it still has relevance today. By highlighting the differences in experience and perspective that come with extreme wealth, Fitzgerald challenges us to think critically about the role of money and power in our society. Whether we are rich or poor, we can all strive to be more resilient, empathetic, and trustworthy in our dealings with others.
