Acquisition Quote by Robert Wright
“If war can indeed be turned into a relic, then the virtue of greed will recede further. From a given society's standpoint, one big upside of wanton material acquisition has traditionally been the way it drives technological progress-which, after all, helps keep societies strong. In the nineteenth century, Russia ans Germany had little choice about modernizing; in those days stasis invited conquest. But if societies no longer face conquest, breakneck technological advance is an offer they can refuse, and frugality a luxury people can afford.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Moral Animal, 1994
When societies no longer face existential threats, greed‑driven technological progress may wane, allowing frugality and peace to flourish.
In simple terms: Peaceful societies may become less greedy.
Key Takeaway
Embrace frugality, value peace.
Themes
greed
technology
peace
frugality
history
Mood
reflective
optimistic
Type
philosophical
economic
When to use this quote
- Post‑war economies
- environmental policy
- resource management
Key Concepts
Evolutionary economics
societal development
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we sustain innovation without greed?
- What policies encourage sustainable growth?
A Different Perspective
Economic slowdown can cause hardship.
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