Greed is good Gordon Gekko (character) Quotation 1980s United States 0 0 0 0 Write the first comment Meaning The phrase "Greed is good" is a provocative assertion that promotes the idea that personal greed can drive economic growth and innovation. It challenges traditional ethical views that see greed as a vice, instead suggesting that the desire for wealth and success can lead to positive outcomes in a free-market economy. It's a statement that raises questions about the morality and consequences of capitalism. Allegory This image includes several elements tied to the phrase "Greed is good." The towering skyscrapers represent economic progress and the pursuit of wealth. Gordon Gekko, holding a shining gold coin, symbolizes the allure and ambition associated with greed. The various activities of people climbing, trading, and shaking hands highlight the dynamic and competitive nature of economic life. The shadowy figure in the background provides a subtle reminder of the potential moral costs, while the contrasting sky symbolizes the dual aspects of greed—its capacity to drive progress and its potential to lead to destructive outcomes. Applicability This phrase can be applied in discussions about business ethics, economics, and motivation. It can provoke thought and debate about whether self-interest and the pursuit of wealth lead to greater societal benefits. In personal life, it might be a reminder to balance ambition with ethical considerations. Impact The impact of the phrase "Greed is good" has been significant in popular culture. It encapsulated the spirit of the 1980s' financial culture and has since been used in discussions about the ethics of capitalism and business practices. It has also become symbolic of the excesses and moral ambiguities associated with financial markets. Historical Context The phrase originated from the 1987 film "Wall Street," reflecting the economic context of the 1980s—a period marked by deregulation, corporate raiders, and a strong emphasis on capitalism and financial growth. Criticisms The phrase has faced considerable criticism for seeming to endorse unethical behavior and self-interest at the expense of broader societal values. Critics argue that it undermines the importance of ethical behavior and can be used to justify harmful actions like exploitation and environmental degradation. Variations Variations of this idea can be found in various cultural contexts where the consequences of greed are interpreted differently. For example, in many Eastern philosophies, greed is often viewed as a destructive force contrary to spiritual well-being and community harmony. Go back to the description 280 characters left Send Comment No Comments Wall Street. Popular culture Read more With friends like these, who needs enemies? Joey Adams, Plautus (attribution varies) Read more With great power comes great responsibility. Popular Culture, Winston Churchill, Voltaire Read more There is no beauty in the finest cloth if it makes hunger and unhappiness. Mahatma Gandhi Read more Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. Martin Luther King Jr Read more We must be the great arsenal of democracy. Franklin D. Roosevelt Read more Do not impose on others what you do not wish for yourself. Confucius Read more The public service is a public trust. Popular culture Read more If you tell the truth, you don't have to remember anything. Mark Twain Read more Trust, but verify. Ronald Reagan Read more I've seen things you people wouldn't believe, attack ships on fire off the shoulder of Orion, I watched c-beams glitter in the dark near the Tannhäuser Gate. All those moments will be lost in time, like tears in rain. Time to die. Rutger Hauer Read more Just Do It. Dan Wieden Read more You'll be able to save your preferences and post comments. You'll be able to save your preferences and post comments. Sign in with: or with your email address: Email Password Sign in Loading... Name Insert your name or nick (3 to 20 char). Email Insert a valid email address to be verified. Password 8+ chars, 1 uppercase, 1 lowercase, 1 number, 1 special @$!%*?_+ Clicking the Create account button will send you a verification email. Create account New here? Sign up. Previous Close
I've seen things you people wouldn't believe, attack ships on fire off the shoulder of Orion, I watched c-beams glitter in the dark near the Tannhäuser Gate. All those moments will be lost in time, like tears in rain. Time to die. Rutger Hauer Read more