“What does peace mean in a world where the profit margin is the only value system?”
— Arundhati Roy
Simplified Meaning:
In today's world, many decisions are driven by money and making as much profit as possible. When businesses and people focus only on making money, they might ignore things like kindness, fairness, and the well-being of others. For example, a company might cut jobs or pollute the environment just to save costs and make more money. This creates tension and problems in society because people aren't looking out for each other; they're just trying to get richer. True peace comes from caring about others and making sure everyone's needs are met, not just from having more money. If people and businesses valued things like kindness and fairness as much as profit, the world would be a more harmonious place. To apply this in everyday life, consider making choices that benefit not just yourself but others too. For instance, supporting fair-trade products helps ensure that workers are paid fairly and treated well, even if those products cost a bit more. By doing so, you're contributing to a more peaceful and just world where values beyond money matter.