The world is ruled by neither justice nor morality; crime…
“The world is ruled by neither justice nor morality; crime is not punished nor virtue rewarded, one is forgotten as quickly as the other. The world is ruled by power and power is obtained with money. To work is senseless, because money cannot be obtained through work, but through exploitation of others. And if we cannot exploit as much as we wish, at least let us work as little as we can. Moral duty? We believe neither in the morality of man nor in the morality of systems. [p. 168]”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Power and money dominate society, rendering justice and virtue ineffective; work is futile unless it exploits others.
In simple terms: Power outweighs morality; work is exploitative.
Key Takeaway
Recognize systemic exploitation and seek equitable change.
Themes
power
money
justice
morality
exploitation
Mood
cynical
critical
somber
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- political activism
- labor movements
- ethical education
- personal finance
- social reform
Key Concepts
capitalism
social critique
ethical nihilism
Questions to Reflect On
- How does power shape moral outcomes?
- Can work be meaningful without exploitation?
A Different Perspective
It ignores individuals who act altruistically without seeking power.