Business Quote by Seth Godin
“The unhappy theory of business ethics is this: you have a fiduciary responsibility to maximize profit. Period. To do anything other than that is to cheat your investors. And in a competitive world, you don't have much wiggle room here.”
About This Quote
Source Book: "The Icarus Deception", 2012
Business ethics often prioritize profit over broader responsibilities, limiting moral flexibility.
In simple terms: Profit focus narrows ethical view.
Key Takeaway
Balance profit with ethical duties.
Themes
ethics
profit
fiduciary duty
corporate responsibility
business strategy
Mood
critical
analytical
strategic
Type
analysis
commentary
When to use this quote
- corporate governance
- investment decisions
- product development
- marketing campaigns
Key Concepts
stakeholder theory
moral philosophy
long‑term value
Questions to Reflect On
- What ethical standards should guide profit?
- How can firms integrate responsibility without losing competitiveness?
A Different Perspective
Profit pressure may ignore social impact.
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![“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)
