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Somebody told me ... that he overheard a banker's wife…

“Somebody told me ... that he overheard a banker's wife saying her husband was working for free this year-this was 2009. What she meant was, he was just getting his basic salary of £300,000, and no bonus. Their sense of entitlement is, in the proper sense of the word, psychotic.” quote by John Lanchester
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“Somebody told me ... that he overheard a banker's wife saying her husband was working for free this year-this was 2009. What she meant was, he was just getting his basic salary of £300,000, and no bonus. Their sense of entitlement is, in the proper sense of the word, psychotic.”

John Lanchester

About This Quote

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

The quote criticizes excessive entitlement among high earners, likening it to a psychotic mindset when basic salary is taken as a right.

In simple terms: High earners feel entitled to large salaries without bonuses, which is irrational.

Key Takeaway

Recognize and question entitlement in wealth.

Themes

wealth entitlement psychology economics

Mood

critical ironic analytical

Type

commentary critical

When to use this quote

  • corporate finance
  • public policy
  • personal finance
  • wealth inequality

Key Concepts

psychotic entitlement salary structures

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does society reinforce entitlement among the wealthy?
  • What can individuals do to challenge such mindsets?
A Different Perspective

Entitlement can be rationalized by societal norms, making change difficult.

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