Skip to content

I hate that," I said. "It's like there's no human beings…

“I hate that," I said. "It's like there's no human beings in the chain of responsibility, just things-that-happen. It's the ultimate cop-out. The system did it. The company did it. The government did it. What about the person who pulls the trigger?” quote by Cory Doctorow
Download Open image
““I hate that," I said. "It's like there's no human beings in the chain of responsibility, just things-that-happen. It's the ultimate cop-out. The system did it. The company did it. The government did it. What about the person who pulls the trigger?””

Cory Doctorow

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Blaming systems or institutions avoids personal accountability for harmful actions.

In simple terms: Don't hide behind systems.

Key Takeaway

Take personal responsibility for choices.

Themes

accountability systems ethics

Mood

critical urgent

Type

political philosophical

When to use this quote

  • workplace decisions
  • policy making
  • activism
  • personal relationships

Key Concepts

moral agency social critique

Questions to Reflect On

  • Who truly holds power in a decision?
  • How can we balance systemic critique with personal duty?
A Different Perspective

Complex systems can limit individual agency.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Cory Doctorow

Explore all 195 Cory Doctorow quotes

More Hate quotes

Browse all 17,830 Hate quotes