A people that values its privileges over its principles soon loses both?

Question

What does this quote mean?

Answer 1

In translation, this is what I make of it.
A people that values its privileges===someone could have access to steal some object at a friend's house when babysitting.
Over its principles===someone knows right from wrong.

The someone goes to jail for theft because he abused his privileges, and it is against all principles.

Answer 2

In a free society, every 'right' (privilege) is balanced by responsibilities (principles). When a society becomes dominated by those demanding their rights without equal time/energy given to the responsibilities that enable those rights, that society loses both.

When people are not willing to pay the price of freedom, then they lose all of the 'privileges' they took for granted. America is on this tract. Fortunately we have many brave young Americans serving in our Armed Forces and willing to sacrifice their lives for the continued freedom and 'privileges' of others.

Best wishes.

Answer 3

A person who chooses to only benefit with privileges, loses sight of his principles, and will end up with neither. Because if you are greedy, you will be blinded by privileges, therefore losing sight of your principles, your values.

Answer 4

A people that is more greedy to get than generous to give will soon have neither principles nor goodies.

Answer 5

Americans believe that they have the right to drive SUV's, eat fast food to their heart's delight and buy the cheapest goods possible. That is, of course, their privilege.

But, that privilege forgets that the SUV is powered by imported oil, the profits of which go to corrupt regimes around the world who aim to end the American way of life. The cheap imported goods cost American workers their jobs and transfer the wealth of the country to foreign investors and governments who use the capital to destroy American values and principles.