Business Quote by Smedley Butler
“The normal profits of a business concern in the United States are six, eight, ten, and sometimes twelve percent. But war-time profits - ah! that is another matter - twenty, sixty, one hundred, three hundred, and even eighteen hundred per cent - the sky is the limit.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Congressional Testimony, 1931, United States Senate Committee on Military Affairs
War amplifies profit motives, leading to extreme, often unethical, financial gains during conflict.
In simple terms: War drives extreme profit seeking.
Key Takeaway
Beware of profit motives in wartime.
Themes
ethics
war
profit
corruption
capitalism
Mood
critical
concerned
Type
political
analytical
When to use this quote
- government contracts
- defense spending
- private sector war profiteering
Key Concepts
military-industrial complex
exploitation
inflation
Questions to Reflect On
- How does war change business ethics?
- What safeguards can limit war profiteering?
A Different Perspective
Profit motives can be constrained by law and public scrutiny.
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