Commercialism Quote by Harlan Ellison
““But commercialism is the last sinkhole of love, and when reached, by paths of desperation and paths of cruelty, misused emotions—all hope is gone. There is no return save by miracles, and there are no more miracles for the common among common men.””
About This Quote
Source Essay: “The Last Sinkhole of Love” in “The Glass Teat”, 1974
He laments that commercialism corrupts love, leading to desperation and cruelty, leaving only miracles as hope, which are scarce for ordinary people.
In simple terms: Commercialism destroys love, leaving only rare miracles.
Key Takeaway
Beware letting commerce erode genuine emotion.
Themes
love
commercialism
despair
hope
miracles
human nature
Mood
somber
reflective
poignant
Type
philosophical
literary
When to use this quote
- relationships
- consumer culture
- personal crises
- spiritual searching
Key Concepts
philosophical
cynical
poetic
Questions to Reflect On
- Can love survive in a market-driven world?
- What role do miracles play in everyday life?
A Different Perspective
Optimism may overlook structural issues beyond personal miracles.
![“It’s also true that I might have never made Taxi Driver [1976] were it not for the success of Alice [Doesn’t Live Here Anymore, 1974]. The question of commercialism is a source of worry. Must one make a choice, must it be a matter of either setting your sights on winning an Academy Award and…” quote by Martin Scorsese](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/d39/martin-scorsese-1663_academy_it-s-also-true-that-i-might-have-never-m_424476.jpg)
