I mean, to talk about "corporate greed" is like talking…
““I mean, to talk about "corporate greed" is like talking about "military weapons" or something like that―there just is no other possibility. A corporation is something that is trying to maximize power and profit: that's what it is. There is no "phenomenon" of corporate greed, and we shouldn't mislead people into thinking there is. It's like talking about "robber's greed" or something like that―it's not a meaningful thing, it's misleading. A corporation's purpose is to maximize profit and market share and return to investors, and all that kind of stuff, and if its officers don't pursue that goal, for one thing they are legally liable for not pursuing it. There I agree with Milton Friedman [right-wing economist] and those guys: if you're a C.E.O., you must do that―otherwise you're in dereliction of duty, in fact dereliction of duty. And besides that, if you don't do it, you'll get kicked out by the shareholders or the Board of Directors, and you won't be there very long anyway.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The speaker argues that corporate greed is not a distinct phenomenon but simply the pursuit of profit and power inherent to corporations, and that CEOs are legally obligated to prioritize these goals.
In simple terms: Corporations aim to maximize profit; calling it greed is misleading.
Key Takeaway
Recognize profit motive as structural, not moral.
Themes
economics
corporate governance
ethics
law
politics
Mood
critical
analytical
Type
statement
argumentative
philosophical
When to use this quote
- business strategy
- board oversight
- shareholder activism
- regulatory policy
Key Concepts
profit maximization
agency theory
shareholder primacy
Questions to Reflect On
- How does framing profit as greed affect public policy?
- Can corporations balance profit with ethical duties?
A Different Perspective
Profit focus can conflict with social responsibility and long‑term sustainability.