Meaning: The quote "By gold all good faith has been banished; by gold our rights are abused; the law itself is influenced by gold, and soon there will be an end of every modest restraint" by Sextus Propertius, a Roman poet, reflects a deep understanding of the corrupting influence of wealth and power in society. Propertius lived during the Augustan age, a time of great political and social change in ancient Rome, and his works often focused on themes of love, politics, and the human condition. This particular quote highlights the detrimental impact of greed and materialism on the moral fabric of society.

In this quote, Propertius laments the erosion of trust, justice, and moral values due to the pervasive influence of wealth. The mention of "gold" symbolizes not only material riches but also the corrupting power that accompanies it. The phrase "By gold all good faith has been banished" suggests that the pursuit of wealth has led to a loss of trust and integrity among people. When individuals prioritize material gain over honesty and sincerity, the foundation of good faith is undermined, leading to a breakdown in interpersonal relationships and societal cohesion.

Furthermore, the line "by gold our rights are abused" underscores the idea that the accumulation of wealth can lead to the exploitation and infringement of the rights of others. In societies where economic power is concentrated in the hands of a few, the disadvantaged and marginalized often suffer from injustices and inequalities. Propertius captures the idea that the pursuit of wealth can lead to the erosion of fundamental rights and freedoms, as those with financial resources exert their influence in ways that benefit themselves at the expense of others.

The assertion that "the law itself is influenced by gold" speaks to the pervasive impact of wealth on the legal and judicial systems. In a society where financial interests hold sway, laws and regulations may be manipulated or interpreted in favor of those with resources, leading to a system of justice that is inherently biased and unjust. This corrupting influence of money on the legal framework undermines the principle of equality before the law and erodes public trust in the fairness and impartiality of the legal system.

Finally, the quote concludes with the ominous prediction that "soon there will be an end of every modest restraint." This serves as a warning of the moral decay and unrestrained behavior that can result from the unchecked pursuit of wealth and power. When modesty and ethical boundaries are disregarded in favor of material gain, society becomes susceptible to unrestrained greed, selfishness, and moral decadence.

In summary, Sextus Propertius' quote serves as a poignant critique of the corrosive effects of wealth and the unchecked pursuit of material gain on the moral and ethical fabric of society. It highlights the erosion of trust, justice, and restraint in the face of the alluring influence of gold. Propertius' words resonate across time and continue to shed light on the enduring relevance of the ethical and social implications of wealth and power in human societies.