The selfish spirit of commerce, which knows no country…
“The selfish spirit of commerce, which knows no country, and feels no passion or principle but that of gain.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
A critique of profit-driven trade that disregards national loyalty and moral values, reducing actions to mere pursuit of gain.
In simple terms: Profit over principle
Key Takeaway
Commerce can erode ethical boundaries
Themes
materialism
globalization
ethics
economics
politics
Mood
critical
cynical
Type
aphor
political commentary
When to use this quote
- international trade negotiations
- corporate decision‑making
- policy debates on trade ethics
Key Concepts
selfishness
national identity
moral relativism
Practical Applications
- business ethics training
- public policy analysis
Questions to Reflect On
- How does profit motive shape societal values?
- Can commerce be both global and ethical?