Business Quote by Christopher McDougall
“The words of the social critic Eric Hoffer were ringing true: "Every great cause begins as a movement, becomes a business, and turns into a racket."”
About This Quote
Source Interview: The New York Times, 2018
Great causes often start idealistically, then become commercialized and corrupt, turning into profit‑driven rackets.
In simple terms: Ideal movements can become profit‑driven and corrupt.
Key Takeaway
Guard against profit motives corrupting purpose.
Themes
idealism
commercialization
corruption
Mood
cautious
inspirational
critical
Type
advice
philosophical
When to use this quote
- non‑profit management
- activist movements
- startup culture
- political campaigns
Key Concepts
ethical leadership
social entrepreneurship
mission drift
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you maintain integrity as a cause grows?
- What safeguards prevent mission drift?
A Different Perspective
Profit focus can dilute original mission.
![“[S]ometimes, when you are a food person, the possible irrelevance of what you are doing doesn’t cross your mind until it’s too late. (Once, for example, when I was just starting out in the food business, I was hired by the caper people to develop a lot of recipes using capers, and it was weeks of…” quote by Nora Ephron](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/d79/nora-ephron-1217_business_s-ometimes-when-you-are-a-food-person-th_980.jpg)
![“If the State does not acquire supremacy over [vast private] enterprises, it becomes their puppet, and they become the real State.” quote by Bertrand Russell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/bad/bertrand-russell-69_acquire_if-the-state-does-not-acquire-supremacy_1379.jpg)