Billions Quote by Kevin Bales
“Yes, twenty-seven million in slavery is a lot of people, but it is just .0043 percent of the world's population. Yes, $23 billion a year in slave-made products as services is a lot of money but it is exactly what Americans spent on Valentine's Day in 2005. If humans trafficking generates $32 billion in profits annually, that is still a tiny drop in the ocean of the world economy.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Business of Slavery by Kevin Bales, 2015
Even massive numbers of modern slavery represent a tiny fraction of global economics, highlighting how pervasive yet hidden exploitation can be.
In simple terms: Slavery is a small but significant part of the world economy.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and address hidden exploitation.
Themes
human rights
economics
exploitation
awareness
Mood
concerned
motivated
Type
informative
activist
When to use this quote
- policy making
- consumer education
- corporate responsibility
Key Concepts
systemic injustice
global trade
ethical consumption
Questions to Reflect On
- What actions can individuals take to reduce demand for slave-made goods?
- How can governments better enforce anti‑slavery laws?
A Different Perspective
Economic scale can obscure moral urgency, leading to complacency.
![“We have the ability to take him [President of Venezuela, Hugo Chavez] out, and I think the time has come that we exercise that ability. We don't need another $200 billion war to get rid of one, you know, strong-arm dictator. It's a whole lot easier to have some of the covert operatives do the job…” quote by Pat Robertson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/194/pat-robertson-1972_ability_we-have-the-ability-to-take-him-presiden_23256.jpg)
