Belonging Quote by Ambrose Bierce
“COMMERCE, n. A kind of transaction in which A plunders from B the goods of C, and for compensation B picks the pocket of D of money belonging to E.”
About This Quote
Source Dictionary: The Devil's Dictionary, 1906
A satirical definition of commerce showing how transactions often involve exploitation and indirect loss across multiple parties.
In simple terms: Commerce is a chain of exploitation.
Key Takeaway
Beware hidden costs in deals.
Themes
economics
satire
exploitation
transactions
morality
Mood
cynical
witty
Type
satirical
critical
When to use this quote
- business negotiations
- consumer contracts
- policy making
- ethical audits
Key Concepts
political economy
ethical criticism
social commentary
Questions to Reflect On
- What modern examples illustrate this chain of exploitation?
- How can transparency reduce hidden losses?
A Different Perspective
Satire may oversimplify complex economic interactions.
