A sound banker, alas, is not one who foresees danger and…
“A sound banker, alas, is not one who foresees danger and avoids it, but one who, when he is ruined, is ruined in a conventional way along with his fellows, so that no one can really blame him.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Bankers who ignore warning signs and act conventionally when crises hit cannot be blamed; they follow the same flawed patterns.
In simple terms: Bankers repeat mistakes, making them culpable.
Recognize and avoid conventional risky behavior.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- investment decisions
- policy making
- corporate governance
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What incentives drive conventional risk taking?
- How can institutions foster ethical foresight?
Critics argue not all bankers are equally responsible.