To take something from a person and keep it for oneself…
“To take something from a person and keep it for oneself: that is robbery. To take something from one person and then turn it over to another in exchange for as much money as you can get: that is business. Robbery is so much more stupid, since it is satisfied with a single, frequently dangerous profit; whereas in business it can be doubled without danger.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Robbery is taking for selfish gain; business trades for profit but can scale without danger.
In simple terms: Robbery is selfish theft; business is trade.
Key Takeaway
Recognize ethical differences between theft and commerce.
Themes
ethics
economics
crime
trade
Mood
critical
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
analytical
When to use this quote
- market transactions
- legal contracts
- theft incidents
Key Concepts
property rights
risk
profit motive
Questions to Reflect On
- Is profit always ethical?
- When does trade become exploitation?
A Different Perspective
Business can still exploit; profit motive may be unethical.