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Admittedly, there's a certain coarseness about…

“Admittedly, there's a certain coarseness about [businessmen]; for there's no point in even trying to be [one] unless your love for money is so absolute that you're ready to accompany it on the walk to a double suicide. For money, believe you me, is a hard mistress, and none of her lovers are let…” quote by Soseki Natsume
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““Admittedly, there's a certain coarseness about [businessmen]; for there's no point in even trying to be [one] unless your love for money is so absolute that you're ready to accompany it on the walk to a double suicide. For money, believe you me, is a hard mistress, and none of her lovers are let off lightly. As a matter of fact, I've just been visiting a businessman and, according to him, the only way to succeed is to practice the "triangled" technique: try to escape your obligations, annihilate your kindly feelings, and geld yourself of the sense of shame.””

Soseki Natsume

About This Quote

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

Businessmen are portrayed as morally compromised, driven by obsessive love for money, leading to loss of empathy and shame.

In simple terms: Greed can corrupt morals and erode compassion.

Key Takeaway

Balance ambition with ethical integrity.

Themes

greed morality business psychology

Mood

cautionary thought‑provoking

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

  • career decisions
  • financial planning
  • personal ethics

Key Concepts

ethical dilemmas human nature

Questions to Reflect On

  • Can success be achieved without compromising values?
  • What safeguards can protect integrity?
A Different Perspective

Ambition without conscience can be destructive.

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