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Fundamentalism Quote by Philip Pullman

“Like all fundamentalists who get their clammy hands on the levers of power, the market fanatics are going to kill off every humane, life-enhancing, generous, imaginative and decent corner of our public life… Market fundamentalism, this madness that's infected the human race, is like a greedy ghost…” quote by Philip Pullman
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““Like all fundamentalists who get their clammy hands on the levers of power, the market fanatics are going to kill off every humane, life-enhancing, generous, imaginative and decent corner of our public life… Market fundamentalism, this madness that's infected the human race, is like a greedy ghost that haunts the boardrooms and council chambers and committee rooms from which the world is run these days. The greedy ghost understands profit all right. But that's all. What he doesn't understand is enterprises that don't make a profit, because they're set up to do something different. He doesn't understand libraries at all…””

Philip Pullman

About This Quote

Source Novel: The Book of Dust, 2017

Market-driven greed ignores non‑profit values, threatening cultural and humanitarian institutions.

In simple terms: Profit focus harms public good.

Key Takeaway

Support non‑profit missions.

Themes

economics ethics culture

Mood

critical concerned

Type

political philosophical

When to use this quote

  • library funding
  • non‑profit advocacy
  • policy reform

Key Concepts

market fundamentalism public good

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can we balance profit and purpose?
  • What policies protect non‑profit work?
A Different Perspective

Profit motives can also fund positive change if redirected.

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