Agency Quote by Ambrose Bierce
““We must stop chasing dollars, stop lying, stop cheating, stop ignoring art, literature and all the refining agencies and instrumentalities of civilization.””
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Devil’s Dictionary, 1906
Society’s relentless pursuit of profit erodes moral integrity, neglecting art, literature, and cultural refinement.
In simple terms: Chasing money harms culture and ethics.
Key Takeaway
Prioritize values over profit.
Themes
economics
ethics
culture
Mood
critical
cynical
Type
satirical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- Policy advocacy
- supporting arts
- ethical business practices
Key Concepts
Moral philosophy
social criticism
Questions to Reflect On
- What values should guide our economic choices?
- How can art be protected in a profit‑driven world?
A Different Perspective
Economic pressures often dominate decisions.
![“We have no clear ideas of the agency of [demonic] spirits, nor is it necessary. The Scripture says little to satisfy our curiosity; but tells us plainly that he is always watching us, and desiring to sift us as wheat. I believe we give him no more than his due, when we charge him with having a…” quote by John Newton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/c75/john-newton-6629_abundance_we-have-no-clear-ideas-of-the-agency-of_2907.jpg)
