80’s Flashback - “Greed is Good”
Michael Douglas as Gordon Gecko in Oliver Stone’s 1987 movie Wall Street.
“The point is, ladies and gentleman, that greed — for lack of a better word — is good.
Greed is right.
Greed works.
Greed clarifies, cuts through, and captures the essence of the evolutionary spirit.
Greed, in all of its forms — greed for life, for money, for love, knowledge — has marked the upward surge of mankind.
And greed — you mark my words — will not only save Teldar Paper, but that other malfunctioning corporation called the USA.”
I’m all for capitalism and making money, but greed?
A lot of people have been ruined because of greed, no?
RHM
About the Author: Randall H. Miller is an American educator/blogger. He is also a former U.S. Army officer (82nd Airborne) with a M.A. in Diplomacy (focusing on International Terrorism) and a B.A. in Criminal Justice. Use the form on the right to sign up for the "Friday Morning Fix” and other timely updates. The words and ideas expressed here are 100% his own and not those of his employers or affiliated organizations.
DJS
| Sep 30, 2008 | Reply Vote: 
0 
0
Its a fine line that is open for interpretation But when someone calls a person “greedy” they usually have done something wrong or at least done something that maybe viewed as wrong in or order to obtain “more” then the next guy. Some people might say, “hey, I am not greedy. I just like money”
I know people that all they live for is to make money. When I do deals with them in my business. They want every last dime out of me in the most ridiculous requests. Does that make them Greedy? Maybe, maybe not.
In all walks of like there are people that excel in certain fields. Professional athletes want to win all the trophy’s, leaders of faith want all the parishioners, politicians want to win all their constituents and we refer to these people as driven. Depending on how the professionals listed above reach their goals. One might suggest they are greedy people.
Personally I agree with Gecko that Greed does work. Not as an evil tactic but as a personality trait required to be successful at a “super” professional level. But there has to be a balance.
In regards to the professionals listed above. With their “greedy” mind sets to be the best. Hopefully they also have a moral compass to not take steroids, not tell people that their religion is superior and to not bug your opponents campaign head quarters..
DJS
dickmill
| Sep 30, 2008 | Reply Vote: 
0 
0
Pride - Envy - Anger - Sloth - Greed - Gluttony - Lust
The 7 deadly sins (meant only in a secular sense, of course). They might also be the 7 traits of a seasoned politician (or Wall Street executive.)
Political Disgust
| Sep 30, 2008 | Reply Vote: 
0 
0
Still one of the best - and most true speeches about greed ever done. Just amazing delivery and acting.
Another similar one I love is this one from the movie Other People’s Money and Danny Devito - this is a great speech also - see video at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MfL7STmWZ1c
I love these movie speeches!
Enrique | Sep 30, 2008 | Reply Vote:
0 
0
I wonder who reminded you of this movie.
Mark
| Oct 1, 2008 | Reply Vote: 
0 
0
Coffee is for closers.