Business Quote by Paul Polman
“The very essence of capitalism is under threat as business is now seen as a personal wealth accumulator. We have to bring this world back to sanity and put the greater good ahead of self-interest. We need to fight very hard to create an environment out there that is more long term focussed and move away from short termism.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: World Economic Forum, 2020
Capitalism is shifting toward short‑term personal gain, threatening collective well‑being; a long‑term, common‑good focus is needed.
In simple terms: Capitalism now favors personal wealth over societal good, requiring a shift to long‑term thinking.
Key Takeaway
Prioritize long‑term societal impact over short‑term profit.
Themes
economics
ethics
sustainability
leadership
Mood
concerned
determined
Type
motivational
philosophical
When to use this quote
- corporate strategy
- policy making
- investment decisions
- public advocacy
Key Concepts
capitalism
short‑termism
collective good
Questions to Reflect On
- How can companies balance profit with societal benefit?
- What incentives encourage long‑term planning?
A Different Perspective
Long‑term focus can be hard to align with shareholder expectations.
![“[S]ometimes, when you are a food person, the possible irrelevance of what you are doing doesn’t cross your mind until it’s too late. (Once, for example, when I was just starting out in the food business, I was hired by the caper people to develop a lot of recipes using capers, and it was weeks of…” quote by Nora Ephron](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/d79/nora-ephron-1217_business_s-ometimes-when-you-are-a-food-person-th_980.jpg)
![“If the State does not acquire supremacy over [vast private] enterprises, it becomes their puppet, and they become the real State.” quote by Bertrand Russell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/bad/bertrand-russell-69_acquire_if-the-state-does-not-acquire-supremacy_1379.jpg)