It is better that a man should tyrannize over his bank balance than over his fellow-citizens and whilst the former is sometimes denounced as being but a means to the latter, sometimes at least it is an alternative.

Summary

This quote suggests that it is preferable for someone to prioritize accumulating wealth (tyrannize over his bank balance) rather than exerting power and control over other people (tyrannize over his fellow-citizens). While accumulating wealth may be criticized as merely a means to gain power over others, it can also serve as an alternative, deterring individuals from abusing their power and infringing upon the rights of their fellow citizens. In this context, accumulating wealth is seen as a less harmful choice than oppressing and dominating others.

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