Skip to content

The point is, there is no feasible excuse for what we are…

“The point is, there is no feasible excuse for what we are, for what we have made of ourselves. We have chosen to put profits before people, money before morality, dividends before decency, fanaticism before fairness, and our own trivial comforts before the unspeakable agonies of others.” quote by Iain Banks
Download Open image
““The point is, there is no feasible excuse for what we are, for what we have made of ourselves. We have chosen to put profits before people, money before morality, dividends before decency, fanaticism before fairness, and our own trivial comforts before the unspeakable agonies of others.””

Iain Banks

About This Quote

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

Criticizes prioritizing profit and comfort over moral responsibility, highlighting societal selfishness.

In simple terms: People often put money before morality, ignoring others’ suffering.

Key Takeaway

Prioritize ethics over profit.

Themes

ethics profit social justice humanity

Mood

reflective serious

Type

philosophical critical.

When to use this quote

  • corporate decisions
  • policy making
  • personal choices
  • activism

Key Concepts

moral philosophy capitalism critique human rights

Questions to Reflect On

  • What personal sacrifices are needed to uphold fairness?
  • Can profit coexist with genuine compassion?
A Different Perspective

Economic pressures often force compromises on ethics.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Iain Banks

Explore all 123 Iain Banks quotes

More Agony quotes

Browse all 813 Agony quotes