Bought Quote by Dashiell Hammett
“Most things in San Francisco can be bought or taken.”
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Maltese Falcon by Dashiell Hammett, 1930
In San Francisco, everything is commodified, reflecting a culture of acquisition and exploitation.
In simple terms: All is for sale.
Key Takeaway
Beware of a mindset.
Themes
materialism
exploitation
urban life
Mood
cynical
critical
Type
social commentary
literary
When to use this quote
- real estate
- technology
- art markets
- personal relationships
Key Concepts
capitalism
ethical relativism
Questions to Reflect On
- What does “bought or taken” imply about consent?
- How does this view affect community trust?
A Different Perspective
Not all transactions are ethical; some are coercive.
