“What does peace mean in a world where the profit margin is the only value system?”
— Arundhati Roy
Simplified Meaning:
In a world where making money is the most important thing, peace can be hard to find. Companies and people might do anything just to make more cash, even if it hurts others. For example, a factory might pollute rivers to save money, causing sickness in nearby communities. When profits are prioritized over people's well-being, conflict and stress arise. If someone's goal is only to increase their bank account, they may disregard important values like kindness, justice, and harmony. To truly have peace, systems and actions need to consider the well-being of all, not just how much money can be made. Imagine if a community focused only on winning sports trophies, ignoring teamwork and fun. The players might cheat, fight, or feel stressed, and eventually, the joy of playing would be lost. Likewise, a society obsessed with profit might create more problems than solutions. So, to achieve peace, it's essential to balance making money with caring for people and the environment.