Bigs Quote by Philip Slater
“The rule in our society is that while those who kill once make wretched a single person are severely punished, those (heads of state, inventors, manufacturers) who are responsible for the death, mutilation or general wretchedness of thousands or millions are rewarded with fame, riches and prizes... If you are going to rob, rob big; if you're going to kill, kill big.”
About This Quote
Source Book: "The Moral Economy of the United States", Philip Slater, 1975
Societal double standards reward large-scale harm while punishing individual wrongdoing, highlighting systemic injustice
In simple terms: Big harms are often rewarded, small harms punished
Key Takeaway
Question systemic incentives
Themes
justice
inequality
power structures
Mood
critical
concerned
Type
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- policy reform
- corporate regulation
- public awareness campaigns
- academic research
Key Concepts
political economy
ethical theory
social critique
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies value collective well‑being?
- What mechanisms can deter large‑scale harm?
A Different Perspective
Changing entrenched incentives is complex and slow
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