Quote by Henry David Thoreau
The rich man... is always sold to the institution which makes him rich.
Summary
This quote suggests that wealth often comes at the cost of personal freedom. The wealthy individual is seen as being "sold" to the system or institution that enabled their wealth. In this context, the institution refers to the societal norms, rules, and structures that facilitate the accumulation of wealth. The quote highlights the idea that the pursuit and maintenance of wealth may come with a sacrifice of personal autonomy and independence, as the wealthy individual becomes entangled in the systems that have made them affluent.