Wealth - any income that is at least one hundred dollars more a year than the income of one's wife's sister's husband

Wealth - any income that is at least one hundred dollars more a year than the income of one's wife's sister's husband

H.L. Mencken, a prominent American journalist, satirist, and cultural critic, was known for his sharp wit and incisive commentary on a wide range of topics. One of his most famous quotes is about wealth, where he humorously defines it as "any income that is at least one hundred dollars more a year than the income of one's wife's sister's husband."

This quote is a clever and tongue-in-cheek way of highlighting the relative nature of wealth and the tendency of people to compare themselves to others when it comes to financial success. Mencken's definition suggests that wealth is not an absolute measure but rather a comparative one, based on how one's income stacks up against that of a specific relative.

By framing wealth in this way, Mencken is poking fun at the idea of keeping up with the Joneses and the endless cycle of comparison and competition that can come with it. He suggests that true wealth is not about how much money one has in absolute terms, but rather about how one's income compares to that of others in their social circle.

Mencken's quote also speaks to the arbitrary and subjective nature of wealth. What may be considered wealthy to one person may not be seen as such to another, depending on their individual circumstances and the context in which they live. By using a specific familial relationship to define wealth, Mencken highlights the absurdity of trying to measure one's financial success based on such arbitrary criteria.

Overall, Mencken's quote on wealth is a witty and insightful commentary on the nature of money and success in society. It serves as a reminder to not get caught up in comparisons and to focus instead on what truly matters in life.