The man who is admired for the ingenuity of his larceny is almost always rediscovering some earlier form of fraud. The basic forms are all known, have all been practiced. The manners of capitalism improve. The morals may not.

Summary

This quote suggests that individuals who are praised for their cleverness or innovation in committing crimes are often just repackaging old forms of deception. The fundamental methods of fraud are already established and have been utilized before. While the ways capitalism operates might advance and evolve, the ethical standards that govern people's actions may not progress at the same pace. In essence, this quote highlights the idea that despite societal progress, there will always be those who seek fraudulent ways to benefit themselves, even if it means repackaging existing tactics.

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