Behinds Quote by Patrick deWitt
“You put a wage behind something, it gives the act a sort of respectability.”
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Sisters Brothers by Patrick deWitt, 2011
Assigning a wage to a task confers legitimacy, making it seem more formal and respectable.
In simple terms: Pay makes work look respectable.
Key Takeaway
Consider how compensation shapes perception of value.
Themes
economics
respectability
labor
perception
Mood
reflective
critical
Type
sociological
ethical
When to use this quote
- job hiring
- gig work
- charitable volunteering
- family chores
Key Concepts
social signaling
value attribution
Questions to Reflect On
- Does paying for something change its moral weight?
- When is unpaid work more authentic?
A Different Perspective
Money can’t always guarantee ethical behavior.
![“Just between you and me, shouldn’t the World Bank be encouraging MORE migration of the dirty industries to the LDCs [Less Developed Countries]?... I think the economic logic behind dumping a load of toxic waste in the lowest wage country is impeccable and we should face up to that... I’ve always…” quote by Lawrence Summers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/ac4/lawrence-summers-16940_air_just-between-you-and-me-shouldn-t-the-wo_4703.jpg)
