The quote, “war is robbery, commerce is generally cheating,” is an expression of deep cynicism towards the mechanisms of society, particularly those involving power and wealth. The idea is that war, often glorified as a noble endeavor, is in fact a form of theft. It involves taking away not just material possessions, but also lives, peace, and security from people. Similarly, commerce, which is the backbone of our economic system, is characterized as a form of deceit. It implies that the process of buying and selling goods is not as fair and straightforward as it seems, but rather involves manipulation and exploitation.

Applying this idea to today’s world, one might look at the numerous conflicts around the globe and the widespread economic inequality. Wars still result in massive loss of lives and displacement of people, while the wealth accumulated through commerce is not evenly distributed. The rich become richer, often at the expense of the poor. This perspective challenges us to critically evaluate the systems we live in and question their fairness and justice.

In terms of personal development, this quote could serve as a reminder to be aware of the potential pitfalls and moral ambiguities in our pursuits. It encourages us to strive for fairness and integrity in our dealings, and to question the status quo. It also reminds us to be mindful of the impact of our actions on others, particularly those who are more vulnerable. It is a call to not blindly accept societal norms and values, but to critically evaluate them and strive for a more equitable world.