Business Quote by Octave Mirbeau
“To take something from a person and keep it for oneself: that is robbery. To take something from one person and then turn it over to another in exchange for as much money as you can get: that is business. Robbery is so much more stupid, since it is satisfied with a single, frequently dangerous profit; whereas in business it can be doubled without danger.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Crime of the Century, 1900
Robbery is taking for selfish gain; business trades for profit but can scale without danger.
In simple terms: Robbery is selfish theft; business is trade.
Key Takeaway
Recognize ethical differences between theft and commerce.
Themes
ethics
economics
crime
trade
Mood
critical
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
analytical
When to use this quote
- market transactions
- legal contracts
- theft incidents
Key Concepts
property rights
risk
profit motive
Questions to Reflect On
- Is profit always ethical?
- When does trade become exploitation?
A Different Perspective
Business can still exploit; profit motive may be unethical.
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