Now, if anything at all can be known to be wrong, it seems to me to be unshakably certain that it would be wrong to make any sentient being suffer eternally for any offence whatever.
Antony FlewRead
Some men get the world, some men get ex-hookers and a trip to Arizona. You're in with the former, but my God I don't envy the blood on your conscience.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote contrasts two types of experiences: wealth and moral compromise.
In this quote, James Ellroy reflects on the stark difference between those who achieve significant success and those who may gain fleeting pleasures but at a moral cost. It suggests that while some may have the world at their feet, this comes with responsibilities and ethical dilemmas, indicating that personal success may be tainted by the choices made along the way, filled with guilt and conscience issues.
Themes
SuccessConscienceMoralityWealthResponsibility
In practice
Example use cases
This quote could be used in a discussion about the ethical implications of success.
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