John Maynard Keynes

For at least another hundred years we must pretend to ourselves and to every one that fair is foul and foul is fair; for foul is useful and fair is not. Avarice and usury and precaution must be our gods for a little longer still.

English Economist

Pliny the Elder

The invention of money opened a new field to human avarice by giving rise to usury and the practice of lending money at interest while the owner passes a life of idleness.

Roman Author

Bernie Sanders

States used to protect consumers from predatory lenders, but strong state usury laws were obliterated by a 1978 U.S. Supreme Court decision.

American Politician

Pramila Jayapal

Profiting from student loans is usury, and we just can't continue to allow it.

William Lyon Mackenzie King

Usury once in control will wreck the nation.

Canadian Politician

Usury has a very negative connotation and implies unethical behavior by the lender.

Negative Nuance

Historically, usury was any interest charged, but now it refers to excessive rates.

Historical Context

Usury is often used in legal contexts to discuss laws regulating interest rates.

Legal Term

Usury implies that the interest rate is not just high, but illegally high.

Illegality

Usury can be used metaphorically to describe any situation where someone is exploiting others.

Non-Financial Usage

Usury often suggests taking advantage of another's desperation or need.