Gordon Gekko "Greed is Good" Full Speech *read the description*

[@masterjoe42]

I actually find this to be one of the most controversial yet still most thoughtful speeches in cinema history. Still keeps me pondering every time I watch the film or stumble upon the quote.

[@XxowendanxX]

You can't argue with the points he makes

[@goldnutter412]

Greed is the wrong metaphor, what matters is cooperation, and not self focused intent. The evil side is the destroyer, the greed destroyed through selfishness Bitcoin replaces greed with HODLing in the latest Bitcoin and friends cartoon and it works because HODLing is what the evil cannot do, they wasted their money in the movie example, same as those rich bankers who just want more more more to lose on bad bets or to be greedy. The PROFITABLE greed is good angle appears to be simple but of course there was a mutual benefit, good manager not a bad one. Good choices to profit on strong businesses that will grow in value etc. Not ponzi shit lol HODLing might appear to be greed but for the analogy, it works and it is not greed it is FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY or saving not spending, HODLers have been winning because bitcoin reinforces positive behaviour within its own ecosystem. How the entire financial ecosystem behaves is not a part of that subset.. how bitcoin will do from here is not reliant only on saving or spending, or what govts do next, its dependent on whether people want to save or not ? the exact mechanics of what i am trying to say might not be clear, i hope they are but looking back, it seems bitcoin remains strong because those in power can not learn to stop wasting money and their own reliance on money is assured. This drives the corruption in the banking system and systemic problems all through other systems. Hope we can all learn for ourselves what matters with spending and owning money

[@maxheadrum6751]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/jH7UlH-Lpr6kqNU

[@goldnutter412]

@@maxheadrum6751 but it could be! indeed, if it led the evolution of the species instead of us and our.. going in circles of self obsession

[@goldnutter412]

@TradingKid1998 even noobs made that today. Didnt want to have to sell any of my precious long term holdings but had at least $1000 profits on smaller side, expecting these short term wins with ETH and Elrond today, maybe bigger long term wins than bitcoin, but.. thats a bet i wont take. I dont need all the money. Enough for everyone if we can get a smooth transition. No wars pls k murica ? just this once.. blockchain superhighway is almost here.. we all win then!

[@JimmyJam1125]

All these comments are political and philosophical and everyone arguing back and forth. Here's my two cents. Michael Douglas was outstanding in this film

[@NoticerOfficial]

and Gordon Gecko knew what would happen 35 years later

[@tomzadvydas1758]

Watched this the other night. He stole every scene he was in

[@edwardcamarena2226]

Agreed. He played the part spot-on!

[@TheSocialDistorter]

Wake up, pal

[@ryanloftis1125]

That's why he won the Best Actor Oscar for this movie.

[@NBT2469]

One of the best speeches ever made in the area of film and cinematography!

[@robertslade3847]

There seem to be a lot of people commenting here that did not listen to what Gordon Gekko said.He did not just talk about money he also talked about greed for knowledge ,greed for love and so on.I would say he made a well explained point.

[@dkupke]

A lot of people also pointing out that Godon Gecko is a grade A BSer who tells people what they want to hear.

[@ferry9375]

Robert Slade Its not greed, why greed? I dont need to be greedy to have love, or a house or something. Greed destroy all. Greed will destroy this planet. So no, its not a good point of view. Greed only works on an infinite things, and there is not infinite things on this universe.

[@robertslade3847]

1st point I don't do loving people I'v got better thing's to do with my time. 2nd point have you seen the house prices around London lately. 3rd point. I could introduce you to a former government advisor who would tell you the whole idea of man made global warming is total and utter bullshit and last of all how about greed for knowledge and understanding of the world around us and greed for excellence.Been a wildlife photographer I practise all of these to the fullest.

[@RobynHarris]

Robert Slade Yes, a very well made argument. Totally wrong, but very well made. Like a stylish noose or a decorative bottle of poison. Slick does not equal moral or accurate or correct.

[@ferry9375]

Robert Slade i cant explain as i expected because of my poor english, but, sir, if this is your point of view then , i supose if you fail in so many ways because other's greed consumes you, then, dont say anything. Just think about, greed destroy all it touch's. ( its just my opinion ) being succes, creative, good on the work etc its personal superation not greed for something.

[@ricstormwolf]

In my book, you either do it right or you get eliminated. Awesome line. Inspiring speech.

[@Matt_from_Florida]

Unfortunately if you fail today you'll reap a massive government bail-out!

[@Xxrocknrollgod]

@@Matt_from_Florida like the big banks

[@dudetocartman]

That's right. It's either education or elimination. Elimination, lack of education.

[@MightyJabroni]

@@Xxrocknrollgod It's not the banks that get saved for their sake. These are not fucking shoe stores. If you simply let banks fail, everybody with an account there will be fucked (regardless if they had any skin in whatever caused the bank to fail or not). Simply letting banks fail is a great recipe for letting every bubble have (c)rippling effects throughout the entire economy, whenever they pop. And bubbles always pop.

[@connormcleod9595]

This speech is up there with the greatest speeches in human history.. Gecko may not be real but his philosphy is.

[@Xxrocknrollgod]

Greed is ignoring adverse health effects of your products , under paying employees , I can go on

[@Monaleenian]

@@Xxrocknrollgod Greed is deciding to work for another company when your current employer is underpaying you. I can go on too.

[@MightyJabroni]

@@Monaleenian Assuming that you can afford that. Freedom of choice is of little consequence, when there is none.

[@katherineberger6329]

Gekko's "philosophy" is to put a spin on greed by devolving personal survival, romantic attachment, and intellectual curiosity to the same level as simple desire for material goods and financial enrichment. They are not. Greed is seen as negative in virtually all functioning ethical and philosophical systems. It is distinct from, and a perversion of, the normal need to gather enough to sustain you and some modest level of growth. Greed is overconsumption.

[@bnchat]

iconic dialogue of gordin gekko.... can't stop watching wall street.. gives you goisebumps even after 25 yrs.

[@WhyCatholicdotCom]

This speech was right on the money. Many people have problem with the word Greed, but as Milton Friedman correctly pointed out in an interview with Phil Donahue, "do you know of a system that doesn't run on greed?" The irony is that Oliver Stone used this speech to make Geko look like the evil capitalist. Stone does not like capitalism, another irony when you look at how he lives his life. One might consider the Geko character flawed because he as using insider information to profit from manipulation of stock prices, for that he is a criminal. That however does nothing to diminish the value of this speech. You might also know that Congress is allowed to use inside information free from prosecution.

[@TheDEATHSTARIII]

if u listen to the dvd commentary Oliver actually agrees with part of this speech

[@breathwave]

Hey WhyCath - Answer: The earth on which you live is a system that does NOT run on greed - but the greed you and your idiot hero Milton Friedman think is so damn necessary WILL, in fact, strip it of it's ability to sustain you and your greed. I cannot get over the irony of your pronouncement of your faith in Jesus Christ (and I suspect His teachings) and your comments on this clip. You need to reassess what your thoughts on greed REALLY are, perhaps go commune with nature and re-read some of what Christ taught us about greed. There are 47 passages in the Bible on this topic that you can start with. Milton Friedman has made slaves of us all - Jesus can free you.

[@WhyCatholicdotCom]

My beliefs are very Biblical and I use the word Greed as Geko says for lack of a better word. We are all called to share the fruits of our blessings everything we have is from God. Mans desire for upward mobilityHow exactly has Friedman made slaves of anyone, he has never even been in political office, run or business or anything of that nature, I would interested to hear how you came to such a conclusion?

[@epicman004]

WhyCatholicdotCom Your beliefs are not biblical, the tenth commandment speaks out against greed. St. Thomas Aquinas defined between natural wealth (things you need; food, clothing, shelter) and artificial wealth, things that are unnecessary or simply just wanting more. Greed feeds artificial wealth. St. Thomas Aquinas said that wanting the artificial wealth is what can take a person away from God. Capitalism works but you do need some regulation on it, not too much but not too little either.

[@WhyCatholicdotCom]

Yes agree with that, I, like Gordon Geko, used the word "greed" for lack of a better word. I think if you read my comments you will see I echo yours and Aquinas thoughts on this. Thanks

[@HFLanciaStratos]

Greed is far better than cowardice. I think this is the point Gekko is making. And he states 'greed, FOR LACK OF A BETTER WORD, is good.'

[@phaedrussmith1949]

There are better words. But to those who cannot rise above Kohlberg’s First Level of Moral Development these provide a warm, comforting embrace. Owasicu owe waste sni.

[@KevinJohnson-cv2no]

@@phaedrussmith1949 Lol you keep worrying about moral development, I'll be worrying about actual development. Unsuccessful losers.

[@andrewst3302]

This speech is more about accountability, than greed.

[@XxowendanxX]

Greed "for lack of a better word". That is, he disagrees with the word greed being used to describe enlightened self interest but he's using it in his speech as to make a larger point. It's something of a tacit acknowledgement of the success with which the left has tarnished the notion that men should get out in the world and make the best of themselves and become as rich as they want by contributing to society. While consecutives and others were out there improving the world, the left set themselves up as the arbiter of what constitutes greed. They really are all communists at heart whether they know it or not

[@80s_Boombox_Collector]

@@XxowendanxX Not exactly. The left doesn't hate success, they simply want less cheating and loopholes that were put in place by tainted politicians and their lobbyist buddies. Also, not all wealth was created through hard work. A lot of it was created just by the luck of which family you were born into. Even your boy Gekko admits that in this film.

[@thecharmtasticmile]

The speech that won Michael Douglas his Oscar for the film Wall Street. I love this scene he calls it as he sees it. I also love the Frank Sinatra after the speech. Priceless!!!

[@briansmith5239]

Along with Falling Down, probably Douglas's finest acting performance.

[@JoseDiaz12]

"This is an outrage! You're out of line, Gekko!"

[@BarrySlisk]

SIT DOWN OLD MAN !

[@Beachfitrob]

This sounds like ADR and even that was phone in. ;)

[@RideAcrossTheRiver]

This technique repeated in _JFK_

[@morningwaves]

He was sitting down lol

[@vincentbarney3091]

They're being defensive because they know it's true

[@InTheNow2020]

Many lines from this film are prophetic and very current today. Much can be learned from this film. "It's a zero some game pal, there are no winners or losers, the money just merely changes hands".

[@RideAcrossTheRiver]

EVERY character in this film is incompetent or inept to a great degree. If you examine Bud Fox closely, you'll see he's not very good at his job even before he meets Gekko. Possibly the only competent ones are Carl Fox, Marvin, and Mannheim. Even Bud's boss is smart.

[@traviscummings9178]

When your speech becomes so iconic that it basically became gospel for economics going forward

[@rafest6532]

I miss the 80’s

[@angelovalavanis2314]

"Well in my book you do it right or you get eliminated".

[@ToddEdmondson]

just looked this up to show my daughter at University who is learning about economics and maximization. When she mentioned greed I thought, "oh do I have a movie scene for you". Too bad we don't hear talk like this on the news these days.

[@RideAcrossTheRiver]

Well, society is trying to grow up and leave behind adolescent fiction glorifying me-me-me

[@Truekeks085]

@@RideAcrossTheRiver hahaha good one hahahaha ever looked at "social media" lately?

[@justinedse8435]

They won't get too far with social media.

[@wylierichardson-tu6zs]

We hear plenty of 'talk like this' in many media outlets, tho. There is no shortage of so-called 'experts' spouting their views on topics like these.

[@CEOkiller]

I miss the '80's! Gordon Gekko 2016!

[@wylierichardson-tu6zs]

Well, Donald Trump was elected President that year. lol

[@baerhomburg6447]

Fucking A, and he’s back! Make America great again like a motherfucker!!

[@TheJVSE]

I don't care what anyone says, Gekko speaks the truth!!

[@Dogan_TM]

"I'm not going to listen to anymore else, because I'm a fan of this guy." Fanboy/fangirls in a nutshell.

[@hokkitt]

He's right! Greed works

[@AEMoreira81]

Yes and no both. Greed is good if it's done within the rules, but not if done by illegal means.

[@maheshsunderaraman7043]

hokkitt Things will work depending on whether it is based on sound logic be it financial technical etc etc. Ultimately Greed comes in in the nature of how the execution is happening and again the timeframe we have to execute and profit is determined by leverage etc which is where Greed comes in. The speech indicated the basic underlying problem with Teldar which is that half of the 110 million dollar loss was the salary paid to the top executives. So the debate is not Greed here. Greed is in the top management also if they are taking in high salaries while the company is making a loss. Pure Greed which works is actually piggy backing on something sound. So Risk comes in as well. So it's a kind of complicated thing. Karma is a better concept. Also want to add Net Worth should determine your Greed levels because that determines the risk you can take

[@templar8787]

@TradingKid1998 That is 7 deals he's talking about, which doesn't necessarily mean everyone made the same amount of money. Plus, purchasing power of the American Dollar was better back then (Inflation keeps rising).

[@XxowendanxX]

You missed the subtlety. He didn't say greed is good. He said greed, for lack of a better word, is good. He did say that greed is good he said that what many have chosen to define as greed is good. Self interest, everyone working towards their own ends is good for everyone. So long as you're not cheating or engaging in illegality then the only way you can make money is by serving others. A man's wealth is the measure of his service to others. If you live in poverty, odds are that you have not been of much service to your fellow man

[@broluxgigantos89]

it really doesn't

[@tysonboy1980]

Damn speech still gives me chills❤️

[@kungfuninja55]

Greed is the best thing ever. As he says, it has driven the upward surge of mankind and all the benefits thereof. Our world would not exist without greed and would cease to function in its absence. Embrace greed. Allocate for yourself. The money you earn will inevitably lead to funding growth or be stolen by the government and redistributed. Working for yourself indirectly improves society more than actually trying to improve society. It's basic Adam Smith.

[@surfboarderA]

Wow...ever read The Wealth of Nations? You know nothing about Adam Smith.

[@TheSupertedd]

be stolen by the government and redistributed. lol

[@vari2d347]

Are you insane?

[@redape6870]

now that i watch this again i realize that the first 3/4's of this speech actually calls corporate fatcats on their bullshit. then it turns at 2:40 to the mantra that eventually led to the mess we're in now. truly fascinating.

[@cosmosaic8117]

No...he's calling out the beauracrats in the beginning. When he switches to the "greed is good" part he is saying that greed leads to accountability and efficiency. Applying this in the year 2020 is simple. The beauracrats shut down the private sector because they have no stake in the private sector. It doesn't affect them, and yet they are the ones calling the shots. Furthermore, bailouts of companies that have no business being bailed out is survival of the unfittest. We no longer live in a Free Market. Greed is Good because it produces real results. Either you do it right or you get eliminated is how it should be but it's not how it is anymore.

[@sidharthsharma2637]

@@cosmosaic8117 Are you our of your mind? Bureaucrats and politicians are losing their powers... Corporates are controlling everything today

[@jamesmarr9404]

​@@cosmosaic8117❤

[@wylierichardson-tu6zs]

that mantra could have just as easily applied to the roaring twenties, and the notorious Great Depression that followed them.

[@gregoryphillips3969]

One of the greatest most charismatic moments in movie history. What Gordon Gekko is saying applies today.

[@Libertyfudge]

I work in the corporate world and can tell you “Vice President” is just a fancy sounding title given to middle management, who aren’t involved in the C-suites; so I’m not surprised there’s several Vice Presidents, since the job title sounds more powerful than it actually is; Vice Presidents are as common in offices as used coffee cups

[@matheenarif8645]

Isn't that the truth pal? All this Manager, Team lead. Just a bunch of BS. In fact, the shareholders they are the real deal. All this TITLE is just to keep an employee on a pedestal

[@LM-he7eb]

There are 2-3 levels that can be cut off between interns & MDs. Investment Banking: Investment Banking Intern > Investment Banking Analyst > Assistant Associate Analyst > Associate Analyst> Vice President > President > Managing Director.

[@seanhardman1964]

This is a great statement. It's too bad it came from a character that was depicted as evil. The form of greed that he describes here is more along the lines of healthy not unhealthy. As in this resembles ambition and drive to create a functioning society. He believes CEO's should be held accountable and that stakeholders are the true owners. That is not an evil statement its a powerful realistic one.

[@lynngregory393]

Quite agree-it is not just about money but excellence and performance.

[@JS-po8oc]

Ideally the workers would be the ones to have more control than the stakeholders.

[@vincentbarney3091]

​@@JS-po8ocbecause they decided if they make money or not

[@davidporter9553]

Who is here after the short of Gamestop Stock?

[@mucjwt8550]

Somethings Never change

[@MethosChannel]

@@mucjwt8550 Money never sleeps, thats why.

[@libertariancapitalist]

The point is, ladies and gentlemen, that greed, for lack of a better word, is good. Greed is right. Greed works. Greed clarifies, cuts through, and captures the essence of the evolutionary spirit. Greed, in all of its forms, greed for life, for money, for love, knowledge, has marked the upward surge in mankind and greed, you mark my words, will not only save Teldar paper, but that other malfunctioning corporation called the USA. Thank you very much.

[@wylierichardson-tu6zs]

You're welcome, Gordon. :-)

[@sophielynnhoward6271]

Greed is good. Greed is right. Greed works. Greed clarifies, cut through and captures the essence of the evolutionary spirit. Greed, in all of its forms - greed for life, for money, for love, knowledge - has marked the upward surges of mankind. It's the essence of our philosophy. Let's make an intense effort for our success.

[@KrystalLake]

The category for this video is "Nonprofits." Heh.

[@ABC-jq7ve]

This comment is underrated

[@Archone666]

People seem to forget one key aspect of this film: Gordon Gekko was the VILLAIN of the story. He was saying things that were technically correct, while engaged in insider trading, illicit deals, and outright criminal fraud. The protagonist ends up working with the Feds after finding out Gekko plans to liquidate his father's company and then steal the money out of the pension fund (i.e. the money that belonged to the employees).

[@BarrySlisk]

We did not forget. And all that does not change the speech.

[@rbaxter286]

I'm sure the Screw You I Got Mine crowd of Ralph Kramden "I'm gonna be rich! some day" parasites will not agree ..., oh, they don't ..., how predictable ...

[@Nighthawk-8050]

Yes I know he's the villain but that speech made a lot of sense

[@wylierichardson-tu6zs]

@@rbaxter286 Not sure what this is supposed to mean. Ralph Kramden was a regular working-class guy who simply dreamed of getting rich. A real-life version of him likely would have tried to invest his money to make his net worth grow over time.

[@abehambino]

I don’t think anyone forgets. This scene is what is inspiring about Gordon. This core philosophy that he’s espousing. That’s not to say he was t corrupt. Someone can believe and preach all the right things and still get his life royally wrong. Of course, when we hear him say greed is good we wouldn’t take it as far as he did. The fact that he did take it too far doesn’t take away from the impact of this speech.

[@ReaperCH90]

absolutely right. He's against managers who just want the money without taking responsibility by a risk exposure unlike enterpreneurs.

[@dkupke]

When this movie hit theaters, Michael Douglas got feedback from people involved in banking, stock trading, and other financial industries who described the character Gordon Gekko as their idol, the man they wanted to be. Douglas said he found such feedback "disturbing," because the character Gordon Gekko, while being portrayed as a sharp businessman and fabulously wealth-is also a liar, a cheat, a backstabber, and a heartless manipulator. Not exactly a personality anyone should look to emulate.

[@birdc50]

...like Jordan Belfort

[@farche2]

The "liar, cheat, backstabber" part would be a failure. But promoting "greed" is not. It's too bad the hollywood story mixed up the two.

[@dkupke]

Frank Ch. Eigler Maybe its just my take, but I prefer to think there is a difference between greed and self interest. I see greed as being about excess-just more more more for the sake of more and nothing else. Self interest is just looking out for your own best interests and seeking the best for yourself. There is a difference.

[@farche2]

Daniel Ryan Maybe ... but then again, who is to decide what's "excessive" for you? Who are you to decide what's "excessive" to someone else?

[@dkupke]

Frank Ch. Eigler Probably go straight over you, but a story about-of all people-Alexander of Macedon. When his troops revolted during his conquest of the Punjab, one of his generals broke down in exasperation and told him "If there is one thing a successful man should know about all else-ITS WHEN TO STOP!"

[@Vange-kw4ye]

"Now I've spent the last two months analyzing what all these guys do, and I still can't figure it out." That line always kills me because I'm sure the same can be said of a lot of companies today.

[@bastiatscorner4854]

Gekko does point out some important problems that were around then and are around now. It is hard for me to advocate for him though because the character is such a characature of what a capitalist is or ought to be (the zero sum game fallacy for instance). I have to agree with him though that greed is good in that it clarifies and magnifies one's actions, but if those actions are ill intentioned, then greed is not good.

[@TheManiacalSatanist6]

Agreed, especially on the notion of the Zero Sum Game fallacy. That is the primary reason I refuse to take sociology.

[@AlexanderAndreassen123]

Yeah. That part really bothered me. If capitalism was a zero sum game, it would fail in it's infancy.

[@anthonypape6862]

The stock market is a zero sum game in that the person selling a stock does so because he feels it will be going down. The person buying feels it will be going up. One of them is right, i.e. somebody wins and somebody loses. This is not a bad thing particularly if you are selling at retirement for example to purchase goods and services and the buyer is buying for their 401k and future retirement. But for the traders and the people looking to hit it big, it is no doubt a ZERO SUM GAME.

[@chicagoeconomist1643]

Anthony Pape the stock market is NOT a zero sum game. Would you mind looking up the DJIA in july 1896

[@anthonypape6862]

chicagoeconomist1 I dont' think capatalism is bad. But the stock market is a zero sum game by definitiion. Yes it's grown, it will always grow. But if you sell a stock you do so because you think it's at it's peak the person buying thinks there is more room to go up. One of them is right. Somebody wins, somebody loses. This is not a bad thing. It's just stock speculation what Gecko does.

[@conor845]

This is my favourite scene in the movie; I'm sure many others would say the same.

[@hokkitt]

One of the best scenes ever.

[@TheManiacalSatanist6]

"The problem with greed is that it always leads to destruction." Remember you said that the next time you use your cellphone or turn on your computer.

[@ericgriswold1268]

I worked for 29 years for first line supervisors that would regularly day trade on shift - using company computers - rather than pay attention to their job of supplying​ electricity to 2/3 of the thumb of Lower Michigan. I'm sick of greed!!

[@Srhandel]

One of the greatest scenes in the film if not the entire film industry.

[@Richie3Jack]

It's what so brilliant about the scene. Gekko initially cuts thru the problem facing Teldar Paper in the first 2 minutes. But in the second half, he switches gears to paint himself as the good guy that will run things the right way. But, he has no intention of making Teldar profitable, he's only interested in making himself more profitable. He then persuades the stockholders that something evil such as greed is actually good. Duping them just like he tried to dupe Blue Star Airlines.

[@Miant]

Greed isn't an inherently bad thing. It's how you go about fulfilling it.

[@amadeofarias]

Fortunately or unfortunately, the very cruel truth....

[@TheMakki9119]

The problem with greed is that you always work to reap pleasure in the future, until you live in the future completely and don't enjoy the moment and cannot fully appreciate what you have now. But I do agree that greed pushed you that extra mile, and if it wasn't for ego, then certain people wouldn't get as far as they did. But this very same force most certainly took some people down as well.

[@RobynHarris]

Makki9119 They run a paper company during the growth of the personal computer decade. Their entire industry is in decline, of course their company is in losing money. An actual restructuring person could have come in and made the company face some hard truths. (Paper is not our future.) and provide value. But as Charlie's father says, Gekko is "in and out for the fast buck, and he don't take prisoners". Gekko is a snake oil salesman, there to sell a fairy tale, then cash in and be gone before they can string him up.

[@wylierichardson-tu6zs]

@@RobynHarris It's more accurate to say that Gordon is a corporate raider.

[@rageblanket2139]

truer words are seldom spoken

[@jeffdalrymple1634]

This scene is loosely based off the Colbert-Newberg scandal at Chrysler in 1961. Sol Dann who represented Jack Ruby was the largest single shareholder of Chrysler. Started a up roar at a stockholders meeting. Dann accused Chrysler's management of nepotism, corruption and mismanagement. The scandal that ensued nearly bought down Chrysler. It would have gone bankrupt in '63 if it didn't get the loan from Prudential. Chrysler was so broke they couldn't retool for the '65 model year if it was for the loan.

[@fhdowntheline1825]

Greed, for the lack of a better word, is good. Well, there is another better word for that. ITs called "Hunger". Hunger is more important than greed. Hunger keeps you hunting for progress. Greed ends up destroying the value of that progress. And Hunger not just in terms of food or economic dimension. There should be hunger for knowledge, hunger for scientific thought. Greed tells you " I want" this, whereas Hunger tells you "I need" this.

[@RobynHarris]

fh downtheline So once we are all killing each other for the last crust of bread. Will we finally be a "good society" in your eyes? The richest, most capable, most powerful country in the history of history. But we must live a "Lord of the Flies" Neanderthal existence, because compassion and conscience and cognition is weakness?

[@sorrowandsufferin924]

​@@RobynHarris That's not what hunger will do. What you are describing is the essence of a world ruined by greed. Opposed to hunger, greed keeps going. Greed goes on and on and on, never stopping, never even hesitating, never turning and thinking. Hunger, in contrast, does the same thing until it's sated. A world driven by greed is a world of death, misery, destruction. A world driven by hunger will be a world of relative equality and saturation. In such a world, the very concept of "the last crust of bread" doesn't happen. The only way it could happen is the existence of greed, aka a failure of society, or the inability to provide for all, aka a failure of resources. Compassion, conscience and cognition are not weaknesses. One might, however, argue, that in a world of identity, in which the ways of Old, aka the christian ways, and I mean christian in the original sense of the word, the sense in which compassion and love for all are strengths as opposed to the sense in which culturally included prejudices are misinterpreted on purpose in order to fuel one's greedy tendences, that in a world of identity and loss of Christian ways, aka a world in which the individual comes first, the ways of hunger are more relatable than the ways of compassion, simply based on the argument that we, as beings, fundamentally think of ourselves first, than of others. Should Christianity be lost to materialism, should any advocate of "You first, me later" be lost, greed will ruin all. Hunger, however, will keep the world spinning, with us, as humanity, still on it. And, just as an afterthought: "The most capable, most powerful country in the history of history"... I would say that one isn't The United States of America. That one is long perished. It was the Roman Empire. It was the first political power to fundamentally influence the world. It was the greatest Empire in history. It was the basis of Europe and, in extension, America. It was the most peaceful nation of war. And when it fell, the concept that war could bring peace and freedom fell with it. Sorry, not sorry.

[@wylierichardson-tu6zs]

@@sorrowandsufferin924 But you are glossing over something. "Hunger' can be sated, but only temporarily.

[@sorrowandsufferin924]

@@wylierichardson-tu6zs That's what makes it perfect. Hunger lets off enough to prevent total destruction, unlike Greed, which keeps on pushing. But Hunger never lets itself turn into complacency for long. Greed can never be sated, and so it destroys because it pushes on and on with no consideration of what gets lost in the push for more. Complacency can never get a move on, and so it destroys because it lets go and go with no consideration of what gets lost in the stay. Greed continues to create and create, and at the same time it loses and loses, and that's not sustainable. The rates are off. Complacency loses and loses without ever creating, and that's not sustainable either. Hunger strikes the perfect balance between creation and loss - enough creation to compensate for the loss, but not enough to overwhelm the system. That's how Hunger keeps people and systems alive - because it can be sated, but never for long.

[@jawadalishe]

Well, I appreciate the opportunity you're giving me Mr. Cromwell as the single largest shareholder in Teldar Paper, to speak. Well, ladies and gentlemen we're not here to indulge in fantasy but in political and economic reality. America, America has become a second-rate power. Its trade deficit and its fiscal deficit are at nightmare proportions. Now, in the days of the free market when our country was a top industrial power, there was accountability to the stockholder.

[@praetorianc130]

Ever since the first time Romney said this, I have been racking my brain trying to figure out where or when I had heard this before......and then it hit me. The underlying philosophy of what drives the human evolutionary spirit; its application as a prescription for what ails America, and will ultimately save her, is about as succinct a description of Mitt Romney's economic policies as I have ever come across ! G R E E D !!

[@wylierichardson-tu6zs]

Actually, the true inspiration for this speech was Ivan Boesky.

[@smcracraft]

Went to the school (The Hill, outside Philly) where director Stone went. Fond of this particular scene from his movie. Small world. Mr. Douglas's brother recently sold my childhood home across from Lee Liberace's place in Palm Springs. When I watch this, it makes me just want to watch more Ayn Rand and read more about her. Miss Rand's institute is located nearby in Irvine. Enjoy this great speech by MD.

[@wylierichardson-tu6zs]

thanks for sharing your story. Michael Douglas actually played Liberace in a biopic about him, I think HBO made it c. 2017.

[@thedeparted2006]

Spoken like a true BOSS.

[@FordIsBetter]

like KP said, he's not condemning capitalism, he's condemning the inefficiencies. In the movie he mentions being "being rich enough to not waste time" and that's all he's backing up in this speech. He is bringing to light the fact that while their company has lost over 100 million in a year, these VPs have entitled themselves to the sweet like of the private jets and golden parachutes (probably knowing they were going to run the company into the ground!)

[@TheManiacalSatanist6]

"If you pay a guy a dollar a day, he's not going to cover the bases with that." Then he won't work for that wage unless he's physically forced to, which can't happen in a free-market. Setting a "happy medium" through regulations merely pushes prices upward and thus dooms a portion of the labor force to be unemployed, which also costs the tax payers in the long run because they have to foot the bill for unemployment benefits and food stamps.

[@praetorianc130]

Granted his analysis of America's economic woes are spot on....but his solution helps no one but people like him.

[@dnlisak]

Greed is good corruption is not

[@curtisevanschicago]

People who demand the "system" be destroyed and replaced are always secretly jealous and bitter that they are not the ones in charge. The ones sitting on the thrones. A thousand years ago we had kingdoms and crowns. Now we have companies and crowns. There is no philosophy here, just castles. Trachwant yw trachwant. ⚔️

[@JimmyJam1125]

great performance!

[@woodyallen8997]

This scene and the “Van Wilder” waste basket scene are 2 of Hollywood’s golden nuggets.

[@bolshoikush9093]

This scene beats Wolf of wallstreet and Wallstreet 2 easily!

[@Mphomuleya]

I have to agree with Gekko's speech when he say greed is good yes it is good it really motivate us to work hard in able to achieve our goals if the was no greed what would happen in the world.

[@TheManiacalSatanist6]

"You're seriously telling me that the ONLY options in ANY economy" Strawman. No one said ANY economy. What I said was, "Every single poor country that banned sweatshops has seen a huge explosion in sex tourism, or to be more specific, CHILD sex tourism."

[@danidua100]

What I like about this speech scene compared to Gekko's speech in Wall Street 2 is that there's no commentary or dialogue exchange from the audience, just reaction. The audience seems to have a mix of old and young spectators, which I like. To them, Gekko is just another guy in line waiting to have his voice heard, he's a nobody, even vilified. I thought the decidedly younger audience in the sequel was ok, but the dialogue and reaction exchange took away from the speech, not to mention Gekko was a hero to that crowd.

[@carlospalacios911]

...2016 and still claping

[@YD-uq5fi]

I would love to see Gekko talk about 2020 companies that put Woke politics ahead of financial performance.

[@Falcrist]

No. I'm very much NOT kidding. These people are very hard working AND skilled. They earn less than the national average for workers with university degrees. In the private sector most of them could make substantially more money. This is one of the discussions I had with my ex. She wouldn't move careers because she felt she was contributing something important, and I respected the hell out of her for it.

[@Capcoor]

Thirty-three vice-presidents? That IS a bit ridiculous.

[@mikec.2360]

Massively.

[@ultimatestoryteller]

That's more than the number of Jets owned by a certain company from Bentonville AR

[@XxowendanxX]

Everything Gordon said was true.

[@garavo1]

i miss these kind of movies and speeches.

[@epicman004]

Why are people agreeing with this? Yes it is good to be successful but greed has nothing to do with success, it is an unnecessary ego trip that makes you desire more and more and when enough is never enough. People who are greedy care more about material things than about what really matters. Greed blinds truth. People who are greedy think that they are happy but are blinded by fortune and are actually miserable. Greed is not good.

[@don_julio2784]

greed is human

[@themandalorian7352]

Matthew Rider That epicman wants to live like caveman don't you see that?

[@alecolslund]

Then tell me, sir, what actually matters?

[@epicman004]

Alec Olslund Family, spirituality, well-being, self-respect, being good to others, then money is also important to live your life but greed gets in the way of life.

[@beachboss7320]

Alec Olslund That up to indevidual people mate, not everyone has the goal in life of acumilating and hoarding as much wealth as possible

[@willa.100]

Japan was considered to be the top economy in the 80s, but this was before a massive Japanese banking crisis from which the country is still recovering. In addition, the aging population in Japan has hindered its recovery.

[@user-iy6rm6pm4j]

You see that in many 1980s films. Like Danny Devito's "Other People's Money", a romcom version of Wall Street. "Do the Japanese celebrate Christmas? No, but I hear they are buying it."

[@darthvader7888]

Without greed we'd still be living in caves.

[@MrBlueSky466]

Perhaps that would be better...

[@fuchsiafreud]

+Darth Vader Greed got us out our caves? Do explain, I'm sure there's some insight behind this otherwise empty and puzzling statement.

[@ytabil]

+facetubemyassplug What he means is probably that without greed, humans throughout history would neither have improved nor developed new technology. The industrial revolution did not start because society wanted it, it started because of a minority, a minority that would make a great fortune with a bigger production. Why do you think companies develop new products and technologies? Is it because society needs it? Or is it to make a profit?

[@fuchsiafreud]

***** +ytabil Most inventions aren't made by companies. Science and technologicalv advancement happens in the academies and universities of the world, in overwhelming degree. It's true that "new products" are developed by corporations, but it's usually just a question of design and commercialisation of public discoveries and inventions. Examples of this: trains, iphones, printing, computers, cars, aeroplanes, electricity etc. Therefore I don't see how greed comes into this. As I see it, man is naturally inventive and the west has been fortunate in cultivating a culture that encourages curiosity. Profiteering has often historically been opposed to progress.

[@coachgumby1421]

+facetubemyassplug I can see it as a hierarchical mechanism. Business and investors come in and give those academics the resources to make reality what they want to do in order for a return.

[@gordonsung5941]

the reason why greed clarifies is because it gives you a reason to keep going. it gives you ambition. greed does not have to be about money. it can be about anything and everything. he is absolutely right. but by being in the waves of greed you have to be patient which was he lacked. greed with out patience will lead to failure

[@pacoramon9468]

The mentality that's killing the planet

[@m3mario]

Essentially he is convincing all the shareholders to either dissolve or greatly downsize the company by being greedy and ignoring the plight of the employees and the company’s mission.

[@eliaschevette]

competition is good greed is not. Don't mix the two. Competition makes you train harder, try time after time, achieve excellence. Greed finds the easiest ways, greed is shortsighted, greed corrupts. Competition betters your hearing on the land of the blind, greed drives you to cut everyone else's ears.

[@mikeydapilot]

It has nothing to do with competition. Any points about Gekko being a criminal (he is) are irrelevant. If you take all the negative connotations away from the word "greed", Gekko is absolutely correct. It's the best incentive and when applied correctly, makes processes and organizations very efficient. In the speech, he's pointing out that the executives of the paper company aren't actually being greedy ENOUGH by owning less than 3% of the company. If they were more greedy, they would own a larger share and have a much stronger incentive to perform better and make the company perform better. Every system you can think of runs on greed, and not always for money. Greed can be manipulated for personal gains, but at its root it is very good.

[@kev3d]

Do you think Texan Ranchers provide beef to Manhattan Steak Houses because of their love of New Yorkers, or because they are greedy and want to get rich?

[@riseld4]

What are you competing for?

[@Lead999x]

If you study economics you realize that competition is a stabilizing factor and one of the forces that make up Adam Smith's invisible hand of capitalism but greed, that is, an incentive is what causes people to act in the first place, without it there is no action and there is no society. If you didn't get money on pay day you wouldn't go to work, period. Also good and bad are in the eyes of the beholder as far as absolutes go there are no such things.

[@MeganClarkOutLoud]

Muhammed Smith Wendigo: the mental illness consuming North Western society in which the afflicted consumes and hoards more than is necessary to survive thriving at the expense of others, resulting in- you may relate, an unsatisfied and unmet need that fuels the illness and leaves the sick forever stricken. Consider watching the documentary "I Am", it changed a lot of things for me and my definition of success and happiness...

[@stephano1990]

There are two sides of Gordon Gekko that come forward in this movie. The first is indeed Gekko the insider trader, which is of coarse ethically wrong. But the other side is Gekko the investment genius and this scene is the best example of that second Gekko. This is why the free market works today! Because aggressive investors (hedge funds) will take inefficient companies under their wings!

[@TheManiacalSatanist6]

"You tried to negate me by saying that Socialism was imaginary" This is what happens when you're not grounded in the fundamentals. No one said that Socialism is imaginary, I said that the advocates of Socialism are living on an imaginary island, a term that was first brought to the front by you. And, sorry, but Market Fundamentalism is the only thing that actually works. The greatest leaps forward humans have ever made came during a time when we had nearly free-markets.

[@80s_Boombox_Collector]

If you really think that eliminating all oversight and regulation would lead to free markets, lol.....Nothing could be further than the truth.

[@fatpotatoe6039]

@@80s_Boombox_Collector If nothing could be further than the truth, than a controlled economy without property rights must be "the truth". Yet the 20th century proves that is clearly not the case, moron.

[@cedricbouvier1673]

The speech for the OSCAR. He was made for this role. So cool.

[@TheManiacalSatanist6]

"More specifically, they write economics books to brainwash you into thinking that it's a good thing that they're stealing your money." This statement proves beyond a shadow of a doubt that you've never read a single book on economics.

[@joshuaattractsmoney]

LOVE this scene and monologue ... CLASSIC!

[@stevenbe4201]

Greed=Babylon

[@David-vn4qu]

He is so right in what he says though. When people had there own money on the line with their own businesses they couldn’t afford to waste or run the buisness poorly as the money is coming out their pockets.but now they have get appointed ceo and get awarded shares. No investment. Just like with the banking crisis in 2008. The banks wasn’t risking their money and they knew the government would bail them out. This isn’t how capitalism is supposed to work. Capitalism is to make the buisness as efficient as possible innovating and making smart savings where you can to maximise profits. But like with most businesses today, governments and healthcare. Bureaucrats are sucking the life out of them and making them completely inefficient.

[@aaronbrookes4231]

Greed is not good, ambition is!

[@brandonk4779]

What's the difference? That was kind of his point, that you apparently missed--ambition and greed are inseparable. In other words, you can't be successful, not on that level, without being a bit of prick. From Bill Gates to Zuckerberg and Ernest Hemmingway, they were all enormous pricks in their younger days.

[@kev3d]

Polarcupcheck You are assuming a top-down view of a planned economy. The fact is, to the average person, neither a blackbird nor a paper plane hold any value...but an Iphone, a faster microprocessor, a microwave, a rubber tire does. You think we somehow have less quality? As compared to when? Now it is true that there are far more inexpensive options for people to buy these days, but in the past, such things were well beyond the reach of the poor or even average person. A no-frills cell phone cost $10 today, a Motorolla Dynatac cost $4000 30 years ago (over $9000 in today's dollars). Which one would you rather have? Even though the latter is far more expensive, it holds far less value than the former.

[@DCUnderdog3000]

Polarcupcheck Yes because doing useless shit that puts millions of people who were robbed by the government into debt is good...

[@OrbitOnceAround]

People are too selfish to use ambition as its only drive. It is greed that drives us forward for better or for worse.

[@nuckymancini7013]

Dont...make... me... LAUGH

[@AmericanCenturion]

I don't think so, "Greed: intense and selfish desire for something". Remember is not only beauty that is in the eye of the beholder but also the meaning and interpretations of words,deeds and emotions. Greed as I wrote before is the natural instinct to acquire more of what society may dim as "your fair share". The means by which you do so may be corrupt,ill conceived and illegal OR honest,noble and legal. It all depends on the kind of person you are or the eye of well...you know. Good Luck.

[@RTR9]

Greed is not good, Ambition is good

[@keneth231742]

there is no difference

[@DCUnderdog3000]

It's the same fucking thing.

[@BugLondon]

oakern Ambition is the desire for self improvement. Greed or avarice is coveting things far beyond what you will ever need or have use for.

[@keneth231742]

Self improvement can be defined how ever you want. If your going to quarrel over wanting beyond need than you'll find that no one needs meat, dairy, spices, coffee, booze, vacation, indoor plumping travel more then 35 km from there town of birth, have more then two children, eat food that is sweet, drive, fly, boat, or train anywhere, have a computer, live past 30 or enjoy any luxury what so ever. The only things you need in life is a 1/4 pound of food a day, 2L of water,clothing enough to protect yourself from the environment, and a shelter so as not to die at night. You can call it what ever you like, but I lived half a year homeless, and hungry. The wine tastes better for it. I may be greedy but I at least I'm not envious.

[@BugLondon]

oakern Julius Ceasar, Cao Cao, Qin Shi Huangdi, Oda Nobunaga, These men were driven by ambition. The men driven by greed were the ones they crushed on their path to power.

[@jennyg5426]

Had to rewatch this speech after watching the Math is Good speech at the Alien Institute channel. Douglas did an amazing job for that roll.

[@darrellswortham3932]

2:39

[@sherbournesubwaymess]

"And greed -- you mark my words -- will not only save Teldar Paper, but that other malfunctioning corporation called the USA." It's an almost throwaway line when you think about it, comes off like a criticism...but in reality: The stakes in this film have been significantly raised. Gekko wasn't just raiding a paper company and later an airline, that if he wasn't stopped...he'd eventually move towards raiding the United States government. The film later on begins tearing down democracy and the pillars of America. Straight up genius storytelling and acting.

[@QJby1Hod]

Gekko For President 2016!

[@brandondaniels9471]

+QJby1Hod Gekko-Trump!!

[@michaelrodriguez2764]

+Brandon Daniels , Sure! Why the hell not!

[@TavgaHawrame]

Gordon character is great role, Michael played very well, greed to pursue more knowledge is good greed, it make you stronger and survive, its nature of human they engage in risky business but some of not win easily, some of complicate the path of success of others to rich their own faster, Gekko show his outrage after he experienced conspiracy by greedy, he became convinced that greed is ok to survive

[@brandondaniels9471]

The vice presidents (186+) disliked this video... 🤣

[@VictorFr0st]

Looking forward to it.

[@anthonyevans535]

Yoda says; Good greed is!!!😄👍

[@Ddelrio219]

Greed is good up to a certain point. With too much of anything there is a problem. There needs to be a human component - of community and relationships - Not just for publicity.

[@Fummy007]

"America has become a second rate power" Is he Trump?

[@terrygibbs7824]

No hes just right.

[@msalih10]

No. He is not. Gordo was a success in business. The oranges clown of America was born with a silver spoon. He claims to be a genius in regards to real estate. Google about his plaza hotel transaction.

[@Trenchant463]

Wasn’t Teldar Paper eventually acquired by Dunder Mifflin?

[@ElCazador66]

Jordan belfort inspiration!!

[@dangehring1926]

Belfort was a broker that pumped and dumped stocks screwing investors, Gekko here is describing the malfunctions of Corporate governance. Completely and totally different.

[@ElCazador66]

I know but in many interviews Jordan says that he was very influenced by Gekko style at that time specially the famous quote "Greed is good"

[@h1ckfil]

VDP060606 OH GOD!!!!

[@anthonybaker2749]

Wolf of Wall Street had nothing to do with this movie.

[@brandondaniels9471]

+RedHunter So, you listen to me and you listen well. Are you behind, on your credit card bills?! Good! Pick up the phone and start dialing!!! Is your landlord ready to evict you?! Good! Pick up the phone and start dialing!!! Does your girlfriend think you’re a fucking worthless loser?! Good! Pick up the phone and start dialing!!!

[@GTX1123]

IMHO Gekko undoes what is a FANTASTIC speech at the end of it by claiming that the very thing which has hurt Teldar paper is what will save it. The GREED of "the board" who sit on their fat rear-ends, leeching off of Teldar while doing NOTHING to earn their keep. ETHICAL ambition and passion to succeed are what are good. Greed is what causes people to lie, cheat, manipulate and step on others to take what they haven't earned. As a 20 year sales veteran in corporate America, I've seen it all too often.

[@frantic1971]

For better or worse, greed IS good. Look at history, and the history of human development. It was greed that got us out of the caves and out into the world. It was greed that moved us from being wandering hunter/gatherers into villages and cities. It was greed that led to the Age of Discovery and the expansion of Western Europe into a world civilization. It's greed that was responsible most of the great inventions and scientific discoveries. Greed IS good!!!

[@scottbuckley823]

Greedy consumers are good and greedy producers but greedy governments are bad and greed with production is bad

[@Jedislayer19]

For the longest time I thought abolishing greed was the solution... but it all makes sense now: manipulation of greed is the solution. I'm sure there are already groups working on that, just disappointed it took me so long to clue in.

[@AEMoreira81]

The issue is distinguishing between different types of greed.

[@scottbuckley823]

Adam Moreira well the best way I can see it is look at film studios some film series like Toy story have grown and become more profitable because they cared about viewers/ consumers but compare that with Ghostbusters 2016 which failed because it insulted it's fans and tried to be political which is why politics and businesses should never meet

[@stephano1990]

Gekko gets his roll as the villain in the movie for his roll in insider trading. But despite the fact that it's illegal, many investors would dream of being in that position. But the speech at Teldar Paper is not Gekko in the roll of villain, it's his roll as an investment expert! He is an aggressive shareholder that want's to change an inefficient company around and make it profitable again, or in the case of bluestar airlines, liquidate it for it's under priced assets.

[@crystalball020]

EA CEO speech

[@AliceRomo]

Greed is now collapsing before our eyes. Greed is unsustainable and will only continue to destroy itself

[@esrajohnston6776]

The simple truth is that greed, for lack of a better word, is sin. A deadly sin. Greed destroys individuals, cultures, peoples and nations. Greed is wreaking havoc on our environment, and will threaten the very existence of mankind unless we find a better way. James 3:14 "But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such "wisdom" does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice."

[@kev3d]

I'm sure you have your computer purely for work, eh? Of course you are not greedy for free entertainment, information and communication...it's always the other guy.

[@esrajohnston6776]

Well I'm only ten, so I guess your paying for my entertainment.

[@suryavajra]

You are very mature for a ten year old. Or maybe the truly young are the truly wise. Well well said!

[@leonidas14775]

communist

[@hellsing507]

Greed is a sin? Well if your going to say that then at least also add in the fact that your religion has caused war, suffering, corruption, murder, mass genocide, all in the name of your god. And why because of the greed and desire to be seen as a good person in the eyes of your tyrant god. I bow my head to no man or deity, I only want for myself and the people close to me to be happy and not random people or Tyrant Deities.