No fortress is such that it can withstand money
Gordon something-or-other in the movie Wall Street begins his address to a roomful of eager listeners with the simple statement: "Greed is good.", then goes on to praise his foremost virtue with all the smugness and charisma he can muster. The film actually ends very badly for the character when greed clouds his judgement and causes him to panic and sell a company prematurely, losing a great deal of money to a waiting rival. Nonetheless, I clearly remember that particular line on the lips of many who were unable to appreciate the film's message. "Greed is good."
Greed was good for the rival robber-baron who saw his revenge. Remember the Englishman? He took the opportunity presented him by the young man who realized he'd been played. The trap was laid, the bait was set, and the kill was made. Greed and panic cost Gordon a shitload of money to the patient and cunning gent. Prior to this the SEC chappies leading Charlie Sheen's character in handcuffs got to make an example to the rest of the office. Charlie's greed got them their man.
Greed is good for those who know how to recognize it as someone's potential downfall, or at least as a thumbscrew. Greed is good for the few who remain relatively untouched by it, as it surrounds them with opportunities where others would fall into traps. Greed is good.
Personally, I prefer ambition. Something more stable and all-encompassing. Ambition is more of a universal virtue. Leave greed for the common man.
The exception to all of this would be a circumstance wherein it would be advantageous to appear greedy in order to feign weakness, possibly drawing someone out or forcing them to show their hand, or perhaps to conceal one's true character for a specific purpose.
Be the fortress that does withstand money, whenever possible. And remember there's no such thing as a truly free lunch.
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