Omne propterea hujusmodi lucrum, quod sortem superet, illicitum, et usurarium es

The phrase “Omne propterea hujusmodi lucrum, quod sortem superet, illicitum, et usurarium est” translates from Latin to English as “Therefore, all profit of this kind, which exceeds the principal, is illicit and usurious.” This statement reflects the medieval Christian doctrine on usury, which considered the collection of interest on loans as inherently sinful and exploitative, particularly when the interest charged exceeded the principal amount of the loan.

The condemnation of usury was based on the belief that money itself should not beget more money simply by being lent at interest. Instead, the ethical viewpoint of the time held that money could only be justly earned through labor or trade, not through the passive accumulation of interest. This stance was rooted in various biblical passages and was upheld by the Church throughout the Middle Ages and into the early modern period.

The context of this statement touches upon the broader ethical and economic debates of the time concerning the morality of profit from lending money. It reflects the tension between emerging financial practices and the traditional Christian moral framework which sought to regulate economic transactions to ensure fairness and prevent exploitation.

Only conveniences are purchased

Only pleasure has a price