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I only wanted to be a good employee who generated as much…

“I only wanted to be a good employee who generated as much profit as possible for his employer. I was merely a small cog in the machine - and now I'm suddenly supposedly the main person responsible for the financial crisis.” quote by Jerome Kerviel
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“I only wanted to be a good employee who generated as much profit as possible for his employer. I was merely a small cog in the machine - and now I'm suddenly supposedly the main person responsible for the financial crisis.”

Jerome Kerviel

About This Quote

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

An individual can be scapegoated for systemic failures, highlighting the tension between personal accountability and collective responsibility.

In simple terms: Blame can shift from system to person.

Key Takeaway

Recognize systemic factors in crises.

Themes

accountability systems blame culture financial ethics corporate responsibility

Mood

critical thoughtful

Type

analytical reflective

When to use this quote

  • career crisis
  • legal defense
  • public relations

Key Concepts

risk management regulatory oversight organizational culture whistleblowing

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do institutions protect against scapegoating?
  • What safeguards ensure shared responsibility?
A Different Perspective

Complex systems can obscure individual agency, making fair judgment difficult.

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