This empire, unlike any other in the history of the world, has been built primarily through economic manipulation, through cheating, through fraud, through seducing people into our way of life, through the economic hit men. I was very much a part of that.
Interpretation
The quote reflects on the unethical ways in which a powerful empire has been established, emphasizing economic manipulation and deceit.
John Perkins critiques the methods by which an empire has been constructed, highlighting the role of economic manipulation and exploitation. He acknowledges his own involvement in this system, suggesting that the success of such entities often comes at the cost of integrity and fairness, thereby calling attention to the moral implications of wealth and power acquisition.
In practice
During a lecture on the effects of economic imperialism, this quote can illustrate the negative consequences of unethical practices.
No matter how many toys we amass we leave them behind when we die, just as we leave a broken environment, an economy that only benefits the richest, and a legacy of empowering greed over goodness. It is now time to commit to following a new path.
May all sentient beings be happy and free of suffering.
Accept everything just the way it is.
The people are hungry: It is because those in authority eat up too much in taxes.
I took a deep breath and listened to the old bray of my heart. I am. I am. I am.
Let gratitude for the past inspire us with trust for the future.
I am a freak in secondhand velour, a leper who uses L'Oreal Anti-sticky Mega Gel. I am rootless, ripped from all foundations, an orphan raising an orphan and wanting to take away everything there is and replace it with stuff I've made.
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