The normal profits of a business concern in the United…
“The normal profits of a business concern in the United States are six, eight, ten, and sometimes twelve percent. But war-time profits - ah! that is another matter - twenty, sixty, one hundred, three hundred, and even eighteen hundred per cent - the sky is the limit.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
War amplifies profit motives, leading to extreme, often unethical, financial gains during conflict.
In simple terms: War drives extreme profit seeking.
Key Takeaway
Beware of profit motives in wartime.
Themes
ethics
war
profit
corruption
capitalism
Mood
critical
concerned
Type
political
analytical
When to use this quote
- government contracts
- defense spending
- private sector war profiteering
Key Concepts
military-industrial complex
exploitation
inflation
Questions to Reflect On
- How does war change business ethics?
- What safeguards can limit war profiteering?
A Different Perspective
Profit motives can be constrained by law and public scrutiny.