Isaac Asimov: Fighting Overhead

Posted by admin on Wednesday, January 2, 2019

Isaac Asimov Money Quote saying in ‘Foundation’ that there are costs to doing business and they must be borne, but it’s better when those costs are limited. Isaac Asimov said:
 

 

“Fighting and scars are part of a trader’s overhead. But fighting is only useful when there’s money at the end, and if I can get it without, so much the sweeter” — Isaac Asimov

 

 

In this quote, Isaac Asimov is speaking from the perspective of a trader or merchant. He is saying that while conflicts and risks (“fighting and scars”) are an inevitable part of conducting business as a trader, violence is only worthwhile when there are profits (“money”) to be made at the end.

However, Asimov suggests it is “sweeter” or preferable if one can complete a trading transaction and earn money without needing to resort to fighting or danger. The best interpretation is that Asimov is acknowledging conflict may sometimes be an occupational hazard for traders, but the ideal situation is to profit from business deals in a peaceful manner without physical confrontation whenever possible.

Birthday January 2, 1920 – Died April 6, 1992