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Money Quote by Martin Amis

“If we all downed tools and joined hands for ten minutes and stopped believing in money, then money would no longer exist. We never will, of course. Maybe money is the great conspiracy, the great fiction. The great addiction too: we're all addicted and we can't break the habit now. There's not even…” quote by Martin Amis
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““If we all downed tools and joined hands for ten minutes and stopped believing in money, then money would no longer exist. We never will, of course. Maybe money is the great conspiracy, the great fiction. The great addiction too: we're all addicted and we can't break the habit now. There's not even anything very twentieth century about it, except the disposition. You just can't kick it, that junk, even if you want to. You can't get the money monkey off your back.””

Martin Amis

About This Quote

The quote argues that money functions as a pervasive, almost addictive social construct that people cannot easily abandon, despite recognizing its artificiality.

In simple terms: Money is an entrenched, addictive illusion.

Key Takeaway

We are bound to money by habit.

Themes

social constructs addiction illusion power dynamics human behavior

Mood

skeptical reflective

Type

philosophical critical

When to use this quote

  • discussing financial reform
  • examining personal spending habits
  • debating wealth inequality

Key Concepts

economic systems psychology of habit cultural narratives

Practical Applications

  • critical analysis of monetary policy

Questions to Reflect On

  • What would a society without money look like?
  • How does the perception of money shape our choices?
A Different Perspective

Some argue that money can be reformed rather than eliminated, serving as a tool for coordination and value exchange.

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