“When by habit a man cometh to have a bargaining soul, its wings are cut, so that it can never soar. It bindeth reason an apprentice to gain, and instead of a director, maketh it a drudge.”—George Savile
"Whoever has a keen eye for profits, is blind in relation to his craft."—SophoclesCriticism of commerce has become as cheap as the goods produced by commerce itself. And yet I feel I must add my noise to the din.
Many forms of work have two different kinds of logic. First, there is an internal logic, which, when followed, produces the satisfaction of a job well done. Second, there is a commercial logic, which, when followed, produces the largest possible income.
Consider this case: A patient fits the eligibility criteria for surgery, but the surgeon knows this particular patient is unlikely to benefit. The logic of healing says it would be unconscionable to recommend unnecessary surgery. The logic of commerce says it would be unconscionable to pass up a lucrative opportunity.
Consider this case: Economic logic says that a loan is not in the applicant’s interest. Commercial logic says the loan will yield a profit for the bank. Even if the loan officer is courageous enough to follow conscience rather than commerce, his stance is futile. He will soon be overruled by his supervisors. They, of course, have been carefully selected for their unwavering commitment to the logic of commerce.
