Do you understand what I'm saying?" shouted Moist. "You…
““Do you understand what I'm saying?" shouted Moist. "You can't just go around killing people!" "Why Not? You Do." The golem lowered his arm. "What?" snapped Moist. "I do not! Who told you that?" "I Worked It Out. You Have Killed Two Point Three Three Eight People," said the golem calmly. "I have never laid a finger on anyone in my life, Mr Pump. I may be–– all the things you know I am, but I am not a killer! I have never so much as drawn a sword!" "No, You Have Not. But You Have Stolen, Embezzled, Defrauded And Swindled Without Discrimination, Mr Lipvig. You Have Ruined Businesses And Destroyed Jobs. When Banks Fail, It Is Seldom Bankers Who Starve. Your Actions Have Taken Money From Those Who Had Little Enough To Begin With. In A Myriad Small Ways You Have Hastened The Deaths Of Many. You Do Not Know Them. You Did Not See Them Bleed. But You Snatched Bread From Their Mouths And Tore Clothes From Their Backs. For Sport, Mr Lipvig. For Sport. For The Joy Of The Game.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The dialogue highlights moral relativism, questioning whether indirect harm equals direct killing, and challenges the notion of innocence.
In simple terms: Indirect actions can cause harm even without direct violence.
Key Takeaway
Consider the broader impact of your deeds.
Themes
morality
consequences
justice
Mood
thoughtful
critical
reflective
Type
philosophical
dialogue
ethical
When to use this quote
- business decisions
- policy making
- environmental impact
- financial regulation
Key Concepts
ethical relativism
personal responsibility
systems thinking
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you evaluate indirect harm?
- Can good intentions excuse negative outcomes?
A Different Perspective
It may overlook intent and context, simplifying complex causality.