In "No Immediate Danger: Volume One of Carbon Ideologies," William T. Vollmann explores the pervasive influence of money on human life and the environment. He examines how the relentless pursuit of wealth drives individuals and societies, often to detrimental ends. Vollmann suggests that this societal obsession serves as both a motivating force and a destructive element, leading people to prioritize financial gain over their well-being and the planet's health.

The quote, "We all lived for money, and that is what we died for," encapsulates this theme by highlighting the tragic irony of humanity's fixation on wealth. It implies that in chasing material success, individuals may sacrifice their lives, values, and ultimately their futures. The author poignantly critiques how capitalism fosters a culture where profit trumps all, leaving a legacy of environmental degradation and social inequality.