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.
We are certain God's will is that all men share in the good things this earth produces.
Recognition of the inevitability of comprehensive bureaucratization does not solve the problems that arise out of it.
The world of the 20th century, if it is to come to life in any viability of health and vigor, must be to a significant degree an American century.
Just when I discovered the meaning of life, they changed it.
The body is an instrument which only gives off music when it is used as a body. Always an orchestra, and just as music traverses walls, so sensuality traverses the body and reaches up to ecstasy.
The resurrection is the keystone of the arch on which our faith is supported. If Christ has not risen, we must impeach all those witnesses for lying. If Christ has not risen, we have no proof that the crucifixion of Jesus differed from that of the two thieves who suffered with him. If Christ has not risen, it is impossible to believe his atoning death was accepted.
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