The quote from Kurt Vonnegut Jr.'s "Jailbird" reflects a youthful idealism regarding wealth and its origins. The author implies that he once thought a wealthy individual should appreciate and understand the source of their riches, suggesting a moral responsibility that comes with great fortune. This perspective, however, he later acknowledges as naïve, as he grapples with the complexities of wealth and morality.

Vonnegut contrasts this earlier belief with a more pragmatic view, implying that substantial wealth can exist independently of its origins and should be accepted without question. This shift in understanding points to a broader commentary on society's relationship with wealth, highlighting how societal norms can influence perceptions of morality and responsibility in the context of financial success.