Collateral damage Quote by David Van Reybrouck
““But it was definitely a hecatomb, a slaughter on a staggering scale that was not intentional, but that could have been recognized much earlier as the collateral damage of a perfidious, rapacious policy of exploitation, a living sacrifice on the altar of the pathological pursuit of profit.””
About This Quote
A massive, unintended tragedy is portrayed as a by‑product of exploitative policies, emphasizing how profit‑driven agendas can cause widespread harm that is later recognized as collateral damage.
In simple terms: Profit‑driven policies can cause massive, hidden harm.
Key Takeaway
Exploitation yields hidden casualties.
Themes
ethics
economics
policy
environment
Mood
somber
critical
Type
critical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- resource extraction projects
- corporate lobbying
- urban redevelopment
Key Concepts
systemic injustice
moral hazard
Practical Applications
- implement impact assessments
- enforce transparent reporting
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies detect hidden harms earlier?
- What safeguards can limit profit‑driven excess?
A Different Perspective
Not all large‑scale harms are intentional; some arise from complex systemic interactions beyond single policies.
