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Apple's Tim Cook: Business isn’t just about making a profit

The word "just" (Which is absent from the quote but present in the title) is really important here.

Were I an Apple stockholder I'd expect them to get me the maximum ROI and the I would decide what endeavors should be supported. And it sure wouldn't be any of that green nonsense.
 
Are we allowed to have different philosophy? Or is it a case of you know better?

Oh hell j, you do realize that discussion means differences. But really, is money your only motivation? How about family? The point is that money as a motivation has limits. It can ruin a business as fast or faster as no concern for profit.
 
Oh hell j, you do realize that discussion means differences. But really, is money your only motivation? How about family? The point is that money as a motivation has limits. It can ruin a business as fast or faster as no concern for profit.

Running a business when profits are not a motive is not a good way to stay in business. There really is no good reason to run a business that doesn't make money, unless for some reason you need a tax write off for one that does.

I am always a bit bemused at how somebody gets to the point that they see making money as evil. But it is never the money they personally make that is evil--I don't know that I've ever met anybody who went to his/her boss and said, "I'm being paid too much and it is ruining my life. Please reduce my salary." But some sure can have harsh criticisms for others who don't look to reduce their personal profits.

And as far as Apple is concerned, I invest in businesses who look to make as much profit as they ethically can and who are good at making it.
 
Doing nice things is what charities are for.

Making money as ruthlessly as the free market/law allows is what business is for.

If Tim Cook wants so desperately to do good in the world - which is admirable - then why not start by giving every his yearly salary AND bonuses to charity (he is rich - he doesn't need either)?
 
Doing nice things is what charities are for.

Making money as ruthlessly as the free market/law allows is what business is for.

If Tim Cook wants so desperately to do good in the world - which is admirable - then why not start by giving every his yearly salary AND bonuses to charity (he is rich - he doesn't need either)?

He doesn't use his own money because he is liberal. He can't really give to charity unless it is technically other people's money.
 
Were I an Apple stockholder I'd expect them to get me the maximum ROI and the I would decide what endeavors should be supported. And it sure wouldn't be any of that green nonsense.
I actually am an Apple stockholder. I became one when shares were 331 each. I'm cool with Cook wanting to help people.
 
I actually am an Apple stockholder. I became one when shares were 331 each. I'm cool with Cook wanting to help people.

It's a shame you can't take a deduction over the charitable giving they are doing for you.
 
Running a business when profits are not a motive is not a good way to stay in business. There really is no good reason to run a business that doesn't make money, unless for some reason you need a tax write off for one that does.

I am always a bit bemused at how somebody gets to the point that they see making money as evil. But it is never the money they personally make that is evil--I don't know that I've ever met anybody who went to his/her boss and said, "I'm being paid too much and it is ruining my life. Please reduce my salary." But some sure can have harsh criticisms for others who don't look to reduce their personal profits.

And as far as Apple is concerned, I invest in businesses who look to make as much profit as they ethically can and who are good at making it.

I think you misunderstand. I'm not saying making money isn't important. Having other reasons as well doesn't mean you forget money altogether. I'm not sure where this either / or thinking comes from. I merely say you need more reason that than that. Not just money, but maybe a belief in the service, or wanting to contribute in some way, something keeps you going beyond the money issue. Even when I believe something is helping humanity, I suspect money has to be in there somewhere. It's rarely, if ever, good to only be one.

So, please try to stay with what was said and not some stupid cartoon version of your liberal fantasy.
 
I think you misunderstand. I'm not saying making money isn't important. Having other reasons as well doesn't mean you forget money altogether. I'm not sure where this either / or thinking comes from. I merely say you need more reason that than that. Not just money, but maybe a belief in the service, or wanting to contribute in some way, something keeps you going beyond the money issue. Even when I believe something is helping humanity, I suspect money has to be in there somewhere. It's rarely, if ever, good to only be one.

So, please try to stay with what was said and not some stupid cartoon version of your liberal fantasy.

You were doing fine until you got to the ad hominem insult. Was that really necessary? And it is been a looooong time since somebody accused me of being a liberal. :)

But I disagree. Making money is pretty much the only reason to go into business unless you have taken a vow of poverty or have so much money you don't care if you lose all of a particular investment or are led to run a not-for-profit agency of some kind. A gazillionaire has the luxury of doing whatever he wants with his resources without worrying about keeping a roof over his head or taking care of his family. Few of us can do that.

If you happen to go into a business that you love, that you enjoy, that you can do nice things for and make people happy, then you will be doubly blessed. But those who are doing nothing but selling nuts and bolts and other stuff that people need or providing a service people have to have, even if they become bored or weary of doing it, are doing no less service for humankind. In the grand scheme of things, what makes an economy work and allows people to prosper are people doing their own thing serving their own interests. And in so doing, they benefit everybody else.
 
Oh hell j, you do realize that discussion means differences. But really, is money your only motivation? How about family? The point is that money as a motivation has limits. It can ruin a business as fast or faster as no concern for profit.

If I am an investor, then yes, I want to see profits....Return on my money. If not, then I will move my money.
 
You were doing fine until you got to the ad hominem insult. Was that really necessary? And it is been a looooong time since somebody accused me of being a liberal. :)

But I disagree. Making money is pretty much the only reason to go into business unless you have taken a vow of poverty or have so much money you don't care if you lose all of a particular investment or are led to run a not-for-profit agency of some kind. A gazillionaire has the luxury of doing whatever he wants with his resources without worrying about keeping a roof over his head or taking care of his family. Few of us can do that.

If you happen to go into a business that you love, that you enjoy, that you can do nice things for and make people happy, then you will be doubly blessed. But those who are doing nothing but selling nuts and bolts and other stuff that people need or providing a service people have to have, even if they become bored or weary of doing it, are doing no less service for humankind. In the grand scheme of things, what makes an economy work and allows people to prosper are people doing their own thing serving their own interests. And in so doing, they benefit everybody else.

Your fantasy of what a liberal view is.

Sorry if you saw it as an insult, but I often feel people don't read well and jump to conclusions not stated in the text. No where did I remotely suggest money is evil, so there was no logical reason for you to make such a statement. I often want to toss the computer when I get such interjections that have nothing to do with what was said.

And no, money isn't the only reason. When I started my computer app business it was because a saw a need and wanted to find a solution to that need. Money was in there, but the reason was the need. Absent that, we don't do anything. And my major concern is that we meet that need as efficiently and cheaply as possible.
 
If I am an investor, then yes, I want to see profits....Return on my money. If not, then I will move my money.

If you invest in something you don't believe in, you will lose money. It has been quite a few years now, so I can't remember who, but they did a profile on one of the news shows (60 minutes I think) of a most successful investor who made money not by seeking profit, but by measuring his belief in the need for the product. I think sometimes assumptions are made about investors that is not wholly true. Again, not that profit isn't important, but that it isn't the only thing.
 
Your fantasy of what a liberal view is.

Sorry if you saw it as an insult, but I often feel people don't read well and jump to conclusions not stated in the text. No where did I remotely suggest money is evil, so there was no logical reason for you to make such a statement. I often want to toss the computer when I get such interjections that have nothing to do with what was said.

And no, money isn't the only reason. When I started my computer app business it was because a saw a need and wanted to find a solution to that need. Money was in there, but the reason was the need. Absent that, we don't do anything. And my major concern is that we meet that need as efficiently and cheaply as possible.

When an insult is directed at me personally, I generally take it as a personal insult. My post however was not directed at you personally and it was up to you to decide if it did or did not apply to you.

But good for you if you run your business for no other reason than to be of service. I daresay very few go into an ethical business and succeed unless there is a desire or need for the product or service offered for sale. That is why most people just looking to their own interests and doing what they do to keep a roof over their heads and put dinner on the table are benefitting society in a major way. And it simply does not matter if making money is their only motive for doing it.
 
When an insult is directed at me personally, I generally take it as a personal insult. My post however was not directed at you personally and it was up to you to decide if it did or did not apply to you.

But good for you if you run your business for no other reason than to be of service. I daresay very few go into an ethical business and succeed unless there is a desire or need for the product or service offered for sale. That is why most people just looking to their own interests and doing what they do to keep a roof over their heads and put dinner on the table are benefitting society in a major way. And it simply does not matter if making money is their only motive for doing it.

I think you're wrong, and dud once heard an investor say once what I argue. I also guess I have more faith in humanity than you seem to. I think many want to do good and do well. We are led more by our passions than profit when we reach where we can.

As for your reply. It was to my post. Not sure how you take my reply personal but argue you were replying to me. Still, it would help discourse to address what was actually said. We can move the conversation forward with less distraction.
 
If you invest in something you don't believe in, you will lose money. It has been quite a few years now, so I can't remember who, but they did a profile on one of the news shows (60 minutes I think) of a most successful investor who made money not by seeking profit, but by measuring his belief in the need for the product. I think sometimes assumptions are made about investors that is not wholly true. Again, not that profit isn't important, but that it isn't the only thing.

Nonsense....I don't give a hoot about their altruistic proclivities are, as long as they are keep the ROI first and foremost in their concerns for the shareholders.
 
Nonsense....I don't give a hoot about their altruistic proclivities are, as long as they are keep the ROI first and foremost in their concerns for the shareholders.

I'm saying that concern and passion for the service or product is what is good for the shareholder, and limiting to only profit will eventually cost the shareholder.
 
I'm saying that concern and passion for the service or product is what is good for the shareholder, and limiting to only profit will eventually cost the shareholder.

Cook was asked a reasonable question, and got uncharacteristically angry...Not good for a shareholder meeting would you say?
 
Cook was asked a reasonable question, and got uncharacteristically angry...Not good for a shareholder meeting would you say?

Maybe not. But it may have been eating at him for awhile. Or that shareholder hit him the wrong way, or Cook had previous dealings with this shareholder, and Cook felt the big picture was being missed. And that picture might be that some proper concern might lead to more or continued profit as opposed to a short time gain the expense of long time gain. I see a need fir follow up as opposed to a knee jerk response.
 
Maybe not. But it may have been eating at him for awhile. Or that shareholder hit him the wrong way, or Cook had previous dealings with this shareholder, and Cook felt the big picture was being missed. And that picture might be that some proper concern might lead to more or continued profit as opposed to a short time gain the expense of long time gain. I see a need fir follow up as opposed to a knee jerk response.

Maybe not what? And maybe Cook wanted to mug for Al Gore, who was on stage with him....Either way it was unbecoming.
 
Maybe not what? And maybe Cook wanted to mug for Al Gore, who was on stage with him....Either way it was unbecoming.

Read your question. Assume the answer is to your question. Not good for a shareholder meeting? Maybe not.

The point is, neither of us know enough to say more than maybe. There COULD be reason for the response. It may even have been appropriate. Without more information I can't really say.
 
Donations to charities, investment in green technologies, etc. can be a way of increasing profits. Some people are looking to buy from companies which invest in the community, or operate "greener," or invest in green tech, and so on.

Using more environmentally friendly technology and building ideals can reduce costs as well, again increasing profits. I'd be willing to bet most that invest in green tech aren't doing it to be kind, they are doing it to try to get a leg up on the competition and reduce costs long-term (or so is their hope). (there is also the idea of reducing say co2 output, then lobbying for limits on it to screw the competition, while reaping the benefits of being able to say you are trying to have cleaner production, etc.)
 
Donations to charities, investment in green technologies, etc. can be a way of increasing profits. Some people are looking to buy from companies which invest in the community, or operate "greener," or invest in green tech, and so on.

Using more environmentally friendly technology and building ideals can reduce costs as well, again increasing profits. I'd be willing to bet most that invest in green tech aren't doing it to be kind, they are doing it to try to get a leg up on the competition and reduce costs long-term (or so is their hope). (there is also the idea of reducing say co2 output, then lobbying for limits on it to screw the competition, while reaping the benefits of being able to say you are trying to have cleaner production, etc.)

It's a way to do good and do well. Win win.
 
Running a business when profits are not a motive is not a good way to stay in business. There really is no good reason to run a business that doesn't make money, unless for some reason you need a tax write off for one that does.

I am always a bit bemused at how somebody gets to the point that they see making money as evil. But it is never the money they personally make that is evil--I don't know that I've ever met anybody who went to his/her boss and said, "I'm being paid too much and it is ruining my life. Please reduce my salary." But some sure can have harsh criticisms for others who don't look to reduce their personal profits.

And as far as Apple is concerned, I invest in businesses who look to make as much profit as they ethically can and who are good at making it.

Could that be the real reason for Apple's business decisions?
 
Read your question. Assume the answer is to your question. Not good for a shareholder meeting? Maybe not.

The point is, neither of us know enough to say more than maybe. There COULD be reason for the response. It may even have been appropriate. Without more information I can't really say.

I know if I were sitting in that meeting and witnessed that outburst, I wouldn't necessarily sell, but I'd be watching closely.
 
Could that be the real reason for Apple's business decisions?

I have no idea. But if the CEO is investing in ideology instead of profits, I would not wish to risk my limited investment cash in Apple stock.
 
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