The goblins of the city may hold committees to divide a…
“The goblins of the city may hold committees to divide a single potato, but the strong and the cruel still sit on the hill, and drink vodka, and wear black furs, and slurp borscht by the pail, like blood. Children may wear through their socks marching in righteous parades, but Papa never misses his wine with supper. Therefore, it is better to be strong and cruel than to be fair. At least, one eats better that way. And morality is more dependent on the state of one’s stomach than of one’s nation.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Power and cruelty are portrayed as survival tools, suggesting morality can be driven by basic needs rather than ideals.
In simple terms: Power often outweighs fairness.
Key Takeaway
Consider the cost of cruelty.
Themes
power
morality
survival
Mood
dark
cynical
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- political intrigue
- war
- resource scarcity
- class conflict
Key Concepts
ethical relativism
social hierarchy
hunger
corruption
Questions to Reflect On
- Is cruelty truly sustainable?
- How does hunger shape ethics?
A Different Perspective
Overlooks the value of compassion and long‑term stability.