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It is a matter of course and of absolute necessity to the…

“It is a matter of course and of absolute necessity to the conduct of business, that any discretionary businessman must be free to deal or not to deal in any given case; to limit or withhold the equipment under his control, without reservation. Business discretion and business strategy, in fact…” quote by Thorstein Veblen
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“It is a matter of course and of absolute necessity to the conduct of business, that any discretionary businessman must be free to deal or not to deal in any given case; to limit or withhold the equipment under his control, without reservation. Business discretion and business strategy, in fact, has no other means by to work out its aims. So that, in effect, all business sagacity reduces itself in the last analysis to judicious use of sabotage.”

Thorstein Veblen

About This Quote

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

Business discretion is essentially strategic sabotage to achieve aims.

In simple terms: Business strategy often involves calculated interference.

Key Takeaway

Use strategic discretion wisely.

Themes

business strategy discretion power ethics competition

Mood

critical skeptical

Type

ethical philosophical

When to use this quote

  • corporate planning
  • negotiation
  • competitive positioning
  • risk management

Key Concepts

strategic manipulation resource control market dynamics

Questions to Reflect On

  • When is strategic sabotage justified?
  • What are the moral limits?
A Different Perspective

Such tactics may be unethical or illegal.

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