Cheap labor Quote by Timothy Snyder
““Remember professional ethics. When political leaders set a negative example, professional commitments to just practice become more important. It is hard to subvert a rule-of-law state without lawyers, or to hold show trials without judges. Authoritarians need obedient civil servants, and concentration camp directors seek businessmen interested in cheap labor.””
About This Quote
Source Book: On Tyranny by Timothy Snyder, 2017
When leaders act immorally, professionals must uphold ethical standards to protect law and justice.
In simple terms: Professionals must stay ethical despite corrupt leaders.
Key Takeaway
Uphold ethics, protect rule of law.
Themes
ethics
law
responsibility
civil service
authoritarianism
Mood
concerned
serious
determined
Type
political
ethical
cautionary
When to use this quote
- judicial independence
- corporate governance
- public administration
- human rights advocacy
Key Concepts
rule of law
professional duty
civil obedience
corporate complicity
Questions to Reflect On
- How can professionals resist unethical directives?
- What safeguards protect judicial independence?
A Different Perspective
Law alone cannot stop tyranny without ethical professionals.
