Bertolt Brecht: Robbing Banks or Founding
on Monday, May 2, 2011Banks have always enjoyed a sterling reputation as a conservative, somber place where everything is upright and honest – until we start to look closely at banking practices. Bertolt Brecht said:
What is the robbing of a bank compared to the FOUNDING of a bank? — Bertolt Brecht
Bertolt Brecht seems to be making a point about perspectives on criminal and legitimate business activities. While robbing a bank is clearly seen as a serious crime, founding or establishing a bank is considered a respectable professional endeavor that contributes economic value.
Brecht appears to be suggesting that the latter – founding a bank – has much greater societal impact and influence than a single bank robbery, even though both involve manipulating money and financial systems.
In essence, the quote encourages examining moral standards and what behaviors society chooses to celebrate or condemn, beyond simple legal distinctions. It prompts considering the relative impacts and ethics of different acts that work within or against the existing economic order.
Birthday: February 10, 1898 – Death: August 15, 1956