Cases Quote by William Graham Sumner
“Undoubtedly there are, in connection with each of these things, cases of fraud, swindling, and other financial crimes; that is to say, the greed and selfishness of men are perpetual.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Sociology of Economics, 1890
Greed and selfishness perpetually drive financial crimes.
In simple terms: Selfishness fuels fraud.
Key Takeaway
Guard against greed in finance.
Themes
greed
crime
economics
Mood
analytical
critical
Type
sociological
inspirational
When to use this quote
- investment decisions
- corporate governance
- policy making
Key Concepts
financial ethics
human nature
Questions to Reflect On
- What systems deter selfish behavior?
- How to promote ethical profit?
A Different Perspective
Not all financial activity is malicious.
![“The yearning after equality [in economic outcome] is the offspring of envy and covetousness, and there is no possible plan for satisfying that yearning which can do aught else than rob A to give to B; consequently all such plans nourish some of the meanest vices of human nature, waste capital, and…” quote by William Graham Sumner](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/9b4/william-graham-sumner-5011_can-do_the-yearning-after-equality-in-economic_454035.jpg)
![“[As in the case of] alcohol prohibition, illegality has driven organized crime, sent countless people to jail, and killed many thousands. Repression does not work.” quote by Sam Branson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/212/sam-branson-36458_alcohol_as-in-the-case-of-alcohol-prohibition-il_8703.jpg)
