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Some say that money makes the world go 'round. Others suggest that money is evil. Still others adjust the prior statement and say that money itself is not evil, but the LOVE of money is evil. Whether it is evil or not, plenty of people pursue profit in the world today. In the United States, one could argue that the entire economy is built around a desire for profit. Still, it is difficult to argue that profit by itself is evil, particularly since profit is typically the purpose of commerce. Here are some thoughts on whether or not the pursuit of profit is moral.

WHAT DOES PROFIT DO?

In theory, profit is what drives the economy and makes for trading partners. If I make a profit on my business, I am able to go out and purchase additional goods and services. This puts money in someone else's pocket, which in turn perpetuates a cycle of economic activity. Therefore, the fact that I am turning a profit could have a positive impact on me, my family, and other business in my community. Growing businesses feed the overall economy which then cycles around to benefiting the individual.

HOW MUCH PROFIT?

The amount of profit and the earning methodology is usually the crux of the issue. Is your only focus profit? Are you willing to do anything for more profit? What will you do when you go up against a competitor? Will you seek to devour the competitor or will you be willing to share in the profits of the overall industry? Morality starts to be called into question when people employ questionable tactics in regard to profit such as breaking the law, playing "dirty" with customers and competitors, and putting profits far ahead of the livelihood of company employees. In other words, when profit turns to outright greed, people start to question the morals of the business person.

Overall, I would argue that profit by itself is mostly a benign entity. What is more important is how one attains profit and how much profit is acceptable in today's money-driven society. Making money is fine, but ruining people's lives in pursuit of said money may cause some to ask questions about moral standards.

Learn more about this author, Todd Pheifer.
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