Money is an evil that does good, and a good that does evil. It inspires hymns to the prosperity it enables, manifestos about the poor it leaves behind, and diatribes for its corrosion of morality. In The Wisdom of Money, one of the world’s great essayists guides us through the rich commentary that money has generated since ancient times―both the passions and the resentments―as he builds an unfashionable defense of the worldly wisdom of the bourgeoisie.

Bruckner begins with the worshippers and the despisers. Sometimes they are the same people―priests, for example, who venerate the poor from within churches of opulence and splendor. This hypocrisy endures in our secular world, he says, not least in his own France, where it is de rigueur even among the rich to feign indifference to money. It is better to speak plainly about money in the old American fashion, in Bruckner’s view. A little more honesty would allow us to see through the myths of money’s omnipotence but also the dangers of the aristocratic, ideological, and religious systems of thought that try to put money in its place. This does not mean we should emulate the mega-rich with their pathologies of consumption, competition, and narcissistic philanthropy. But we could do worse than defy three hundred years of derision from novelists and poets to embrace the unromantic bourgeois virtues of work, security, and moderate comfort. It is wise to have money, Bruckner tells us, and wise to think about it critically.

About the Author

Pascal Bruckner is an eminent novelist, philosopher, and critic.

"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.

Store Description

Specializing in Modern First Editions, out-of-print books, and other hard-to-find books.

Visit Seller's Storefront

Seller's business information

Rare Book Cellar
NY, U.S.A.

Sale & Shipping Terms

Terms of Sale

We Accept all Major Credit Cards through ABE and PayPal.com. Money Orders, Cashiers Checks and Personal Checks are also accepted. All Items are shipped within 24 hours of receipt of payment. If mailing payment please contact us beforehand so we can put the title on hold for you. All Domestic and International orders are shipped through United States Postal Service. Overnight shipping is available for an extra fee.
Seller Info.
Benjamin Moss
4 Fox Hollow Rd
Pomona NY 10970
USA
845-512-8229
Rarebo...

More Information

Shipping Terms

Orders usually ship within 2 business days. Shipping costs are based on books weighing 2.2 LB, or 1 KG. If your book order is heavy or over-sized, we may contact you to let you know extra shipping is required.

Shipping rates within U.S.A.

Shipping rates within U.S.A.
Order quantity	5 to 12 business days	2 to 6 business days
First item	US$ 10.95	US$ 22.95

Delivery times are set by sellers and vary by carrier and location. Orders passing through Customs may face delays and buyers are responsible for any associated duties or fees. Sellers may contact you regarding additional charges to cover any increased costs to ship your items.