When a corporation writes something off, it accepts the cost. When we write off corporations as inherently corrupt, we accept the cost, too.
This quote provocatively highlights the parallels between corporate accounting practices and societal perceptions of corporate morality. By stating that corporations write off certain costs, it draws attention to how businesses often dismiss damages or unethical behaviors as expenses, effectively normalizing corruption or harm as an inevitable part of their operations. This financial language is powerful because it makes such issues appear as mere line items rather than serious ethical concerns. Conversely, when society or individuals dismiss or diminish the inherent corruptibility of corporations, it signifies a similar acceptance—a collective shrugging off the potential harms caused by unchecked corporate power. This mindset perpetuates a cycle whereby negative impacts, such as environmental degradation, exploitation, or political manipulation, are tolerated rather than challenged. The analogy underscores the importance of vigilance and moral accountability—not just in business but in societal attitudes towards corporate misconduct. Recognizing that dismissing or 'writing off' the corruption allows systemic issues to persist, the quote pushes us to consider how acceptance—whether explicit or tacit—influences ongoing social injustices. It calls for a reflection on whether we are complicit in enabling harmful practices by choosing to overlook them. Ultimately, it suggests that societal denial about corporate flaws is as detrimental as businesses' fiscal dismissals—they both sustain an environment where unethical behaviors are perpetuated because their costs are absorbed elsewhere, often at the expense of broader societal well-being.
