If the misery of the poor be caused not by the laws of nature, but by our institutions, great is our sin.

Summary

This quote conveys the idea that if poverty and suffering among the less fortunate are not a result of natural circumstances, such as lack of resources or opportunities, but rather due to the systems and structures created by society, then those in positions of power bear a great responsibility and guilt. It implies that if society's institutions have the ability to alleviate poverty, yet choose not to, they are morally at fault. In essence, the quote challenges society to reflect on its role in perpetuating injustice and highlights the importance of addressing systemic issues to improve the conditions of the poor.

Topics