Meaning: The quote "What's breaking into a bank compared with founding a bank?" is a thought-provoking statement by Bertolt Brecht, a German poet, playwright, and theatre director. Brecht was known for his critical and often politically charged approach to art, and this quote is no exception. It encapsulates Brecht's skepticism towards traditional power structures and his belief in the potential for individuals to challenge and subvert established systems of authority.

At first glance, the quote appears to juxtapose two seemingly opposing actions: breaking into a bank and founding a bank. Breaking into a bank is generally considered a criminal act, associated with theft and illegality, while founding a bank is a legitimate and lawful endeavor that involves establishing a financial institution. However, Brecht's intention behind this juxtaposition is to highlight the underlying power dynamics and moral ambiguities inherent in both actions.

The act of breaking into a bank is a direct challenge to the existing economic and social order. It represents a form of resistance against the concentrated wealth and power held by financial institutions, as well as a rejection of the systemic inequalities perpetuated by the banking industry. By contrast, founding a bank is an act of participation in and perpetuation of the existing system. It involves leveraging capital and influence to establish a new institution within the framework of established financial and regulatory structures.

Brecht's quote challenges the conventional moral judgments associated with these actions. He questions whether the seemingly criminal act of breaking into a bank is inherently more morally reprehensible than the ostensibly legitimate act of founding a bank. In doing so, Brecht invites the audience to consider the underlying motivations and implications of both actions, prompting a critical reflection on the nature of power, authority, and justice within society.

The quote also reflects Brecht's broader critique of capitalism and the financial sector. Throughout his work, Brecht expressed a deep skepticism towards the exploitative and oppressive nature of capitalist systems, and the quote can be seen as a continuation of this critique. By drawing a parallel between criminal and legitimate acts within the context of banking, Brecht challenges the moral legitimacy of the capitalist economic system as a whole, suggesting that the boundaries between legality and criminality are more blurred than they may seem.

Furthermore, the quote speaks to the potential for individual agency and subversion within systems of power. By juxtaposing the act of breaking into a bank with the act of founding a bank, Brecht implies that the power dynamics and moral implications of these actions are not fixed or immutable. Instead, he suggests that individuals have the capacity to challenge and disrupt established power structures, whether through direct resistance or alternative forms of economic and social organization.

In conclusion, Bertolt Brecht's quote "What's breaking into a bank compared with founding a bank?" serves as a thought-provoking commentary on power, morality, and resistance within capitalist society. By challenging conventional moral judgments and highlighting the potential for individual agency, Brecht invites the audience to critically examine the underlying power dynamics and moral ambiguities inherent in economic and social systems. The quote encapsulates Brecht's enduring relevance as a critical voice against the injustices of the status quo and continues to provoke reflection and dialogue on the nature of power and authority in modern society.