If greed were not the master of modern man--ably assisted…
““If greed were not the master of modern man--ably assisted by envy--how could it be that the frenzy of economism does not abate as higher "standards of living" are attained, and that it is precisely the richest societies which pursue their economic advantage with the greatest ruthlessness? How could we explain the almost universal refusal on the part of the rulers of the rich societies--where organized along private enterprise or collective enterprise lines--to work towards the humanisation of work? It is only necessary to assert that something would reduce the "standard of living" and every debate is instantly closed. That soul-destroying, meaningless, mechanical, monotonous, moronic work is an insult to human nature which must necessarily and inevitably produce either escapism or aggression, and that no amount of of "bread and circuses" can compensate for the damage done--these are facts which are neither denied nor acknowledged but are met with an unbreakable conspiracy of silence--because to deny them would be too obviously absurd and to acknowledge them would condemn the central preoccupation of modern society as a crime against humanity.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Economic systems prioritize profit over human dignity, leading to dehumanizing work and societal silence.
In simple terms: Profit focus harms human nature.
Key Takeaway
Advocate humane work structures.
Themes
economics
ethics
humanity
Mood
critical
analytical
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- policy reform
- organizational culture
- public discourse
Key Concepts
alienation
workplace dignity
social critique
Questions to Reflect On
- What steps can individuals take to humanize work?
- How can societies break the silence on exploitation?
A Different Perspective
Change requires confronting powerful interests.