Quote by Oliver Goldsmith
Ill fares the land, to hastening ills a prey, where wealth accumulates, and men decay.
Summary
This quote, originating from the poem "The Deserted Village" by Oliver Goldsmith, highlights the negative consequences of a society that prioritizes wealth accumulation over the well-being and growth of its people. It suggests that when material wealth becomes the foremost ambition, the values, morality, and overall quality of life in the society deteriorate. The word "ails" refers to the various social, economic, and moral problems that arise when the pursuit of wealth becomes predominant, emphasizing the idea that the land suffers and individuals gradually decline.