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Under the rules of a society that cannot distinguish…

“Under the rules of a society that cannot distinguish between profit and profiteering, between money defined as necessity and money defined as luxury, murder is occasionally obligatory and always permissible.” quote by Lewis H. Lapham
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“Under the rules of a society that cannot distinguish between profit and profiteering, between money defined as necessity and money defined as luxury, murder is occasionally obligatory and always permissible.”

Lewis H. Lapham

About This Quote

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

Critiques a society that blurs profit with exploitation, making murder seem permissible

In simple terms: When profit overrides morality, violence becomes justified

Key Takeaway

Question moral cost of profit‑driven policies

Themes

ethics profit violence

Mood

critical analytical

Type

philosophical critical

When to use this quote

  • business regulation
  • legal reform
  • public discourse

Key Concepts

capitalism moral philosophy social critique

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does profit motive influence policy decisions?
  • What safeguards can prevent moral erosion?
A Different Perspective

Economic incentives can obscure ethical boundaries

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