In the play Timon of Athens, the central character lives lavishly beyond his means. It shows a society that thinks having money and spending it is proof of one’s moral goodness.
Several observations about human nature appear relevant to NCUA’s action to sell 4,500 members’ future fortunes to the investment fund Marblegate.
From William Shakespeare’s Timon of Athens:
‘Tis not enough to help the feeble up,
But to support him after. . .
Men must learn now with pity to dispense;
For policy sits above conscience. . .
I wonder men dare trust themselves with men. . .