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There are people who are at fault for one or another…

“There are people who are at fault for one or another problem. These people are very avaricious and self-serving. They're not doing it just to do it; they're doing it for the money. That money, they keep here. When you say, "We're going to find these people, these guilty people, the ones who are…” quote by Mikhail Khodorkovsky
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“There are people who are at fault for one or another problem. These people are very avaricious and self-serving. They're not doing it just to do it; they're doing it for the money. That money, they keep here. When you say, "We're going to find these people, these guilty people, the ones who are not only breaking laws but are also hurting their own fellow country people," and you say, "We're going to punish them, specifically, that's a step in the right direction."”

Mikhail Khodorkovsky

About This Quote

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

Corrupt individuals prioritize profit over law and public welfare, justifying punishment as progress.

In simple terms: Corrupt people act for money, harming society.

Key Takeaway

Punish corruption to protect society.

Themes

corruption justice ethics

Mood

critical serious

Type

political ethical

When to use this quote

  • political reform
  • anti‑corruption campaigns
  • legal prosecutions

Key Concepts

self-interest greed lawbreaking

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can systemic change reduce greed?
  • What safeguards prevent abuse of power?
A Different Perspective

Punishment alone may not change underlying incentives.

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