Military industrial complex Quote by Liu Xiaobo
““The ease with which money forgives bayonets and lies to justify the massacre with reasoned arguments””
About This Quote
Source Essay: “The Economics of Violence”, Liu Xiaobo, 2008
Economic interests can excuse brutal actions, using rationalizations to mask moral corruption.
In simple terms: Money can justify cruelty.
Key Takeaway
Question the motives behind financial justifications.
Themes
politics
economics
violence
morality
justification
Mood
critical
somber
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- policy analysis
- human rights advocacy
- corporate accountability
- media critique
Key Concepts
ethical corruption
rationalization of oppression
Questions to Reflect On
- What hidden costs are ignored in profit‑driven decisions?
- How can societies resist financial rationalizations of violence?
A Different Perspective
Economic rationales often ignore human cost, leading to moral blind spots.
![“Bernie's campaign was very principled in most regards, I think, you know, he certainly didn't go far enough in questioning the military policy, the military-industrial complex, and so on, but you know I think that's the price you pay for being in the Democratic Party. And Bernie [Sanders] has to…” quote by Jill Stein](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/e4b/jill-stein-660_campaigns_bernie-s-campaign-was-very-principled-in_841676.jpg)