Customer Quote by Michael Lewis
““I’d thought it strange, after the financial crisis, in which Goldman had played such an important role, that the only Goldman Sachs employee who had been charged with any sort of crime was the employee who had taken something from Goldman Sachs.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Big Short by Michael Lewis, 2010
The quote highlights the irony that despite Goldman Sachs’ central role in the crisis, only a low‑level employee faced criminal charges, suggesting systemic accountability gaps.
In simple terms: Only a low‑level employee was charged despite Goldman’s role.
Key Takeaway
Recognize systemic accountability gaps.
Themes
accountability
finance
justice
Mood
critical
skeptical
Type
analytical
commentary
When to use this quote
- financial regulation
- corporate governance
- public trust
- media scrutiny
Key Concepts
systemic risk
legal enforcement
Questions to Reflect On
- How can systemic accountability be enforced?
- What reforms could prevent similar gaps?
A Different Perspective
Legal outcomes often focus on individuals, not institutions.
![“Crucial decisions are made, today as thousands of years ago, in terms of the intuitive guesses and preferences of a few men in positions of authority...[it is] quite likely that the fate of entire societies may be sealed by a series of avoidable mistakes committed by their leaders.” quote by Michael Lewis](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/a59/michael-lewis-705_decision-making_crucial-decisions-are-made-today-as-thou_16888.jpg)
