Allan Kardec-THE Spirit's Book_ The Principles of Spiritist Doctrine (1989)

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THE SPIRITS’ BOOK
"Yes, and no. And knavery and robbery ? What do you say of them?"
- But hereditary riches are not the fruit of evil passions?
"How do you know that ? Go back to their source, and you will see whether it is always pure.
How do you know whether they were not, in the beginning, the fruit of a spoliation or an
injustice ? But, without speaking of their origin, which may have been bad, do you think that
the hankering after wealth, even when most honestly acquired, the secret longings to possess
it more quickly, are laudable sentiments? These are what God judges; and His judgement is
often more severe than that of men."
809. If a fortune has been ill-gotten in the beginning, are those who subsequently inherit it
responsible for this?
"Most certainly they are not responsible for the wrong that may have been done by others, and
of which they may be altogether ignorant; but you must understand that a fortune is often sent
to such and such an individual for the sole purpose of giving him the opportunity of repairing
an injustice. Happy for him if he comprehends this! If he does it in the name of him who
committed the injustice, the reparation will be counted to both of them; for it is often the
latter who has endeavoured to bring it about."
810. We may, without infringing legality, dispose of property more or less equitably Are we
held responsible, after death, for the disposition we have made of it?
"Every seed bears its fruit; the fruit of good deeds is sweet that of others is always bitter;
always-remember that."
811. Is an absolute equality of riches possible? and has it ever existed?
"No, it is not possible. The diversity of faculties and characters is opposed to it."
- There are men, nevertheless, who believe it to be the remedy for all the ills of society. What
do you think of them?
"They are framers of systems, or moved by ambition and jealousy; they do not understand
that the equality they dream of would be speedily broken up by the force of things. Combat
selfishness, for that is your social pest; and do not run after chimeras."
812. If equality of riches be not possible, is it the same in regard to well-being?