20th century Quote by Walter E. Williams
“Many of the wonderful achievements of the 20th century were the result of the pursuit of profits. Unfortunately, demagoguery has led to profits becoming a dirty word. Nonprofit is seen as more righteous, particularly when people pompously stand before us and declare, 'We're a nonprofit organization.'”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Economic Commentary, 1990s
Profit motives drove many 20th‑century breakthroughs, yet profit is now stigmatized, while nonprofits are praised, sometimes superficially.
In simple terms: Profits spurred innovation, now seen negatively, while nonprofits get moral credit.
Key Takeaway
Recognize value in profit‑driven work without moralizing.
Themes
economics
ethics
innovation
nonprofit sector
Mood
critical
reflective
Type
analytical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- business development
- philanthropy
- policy debate
- public relations
Key Concepts
capitalism
moral framing
public perception
Questions to Reflect On
- How can profit be pursued responsibly?
- When does nonprofit rhetoric become hollow?
A Different Perspective
Profit motives can also cause exploitation or inequality.
![“You [demagogues] are like the fishers for eels; in still waters they catch nothing, but if they thoroughly stir up the slime, their fishing is good; in the same way it's only in troublous times that you line your pockets.” quote by Aristophanes](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/4f7/aristophanes-3340_demagoguery_you-demagogues-are-like-the-fishers-for_87488.jpg)
