"If you followed this economic crisis and you do not think that the world is getting flatter, you are not paying attention. We saw the entire global economy at one time acting totally in sync. The real truth is the world is even flatter than I thought. Our mortgage crisis is killing Deutsche Bank. You still don't think the world is flat?"

In this quote, Thomas Friedman, a prominent author and reporter, expands on his concept of a "flat" world, introduced in his book "The World is Flat". By explaining the world as "flat", Friedman is describing the significantly interconnected and interdependent nature of international economies and societies.

Friedman argues that the economic crisis, most especially the financial collapse that erupted in 2008, acts as a profound illustration of this interconnectedness. He recommends that the crisis wasn't confined within the borders of any single nation; instead, it sparked a ripple effect that surged through worldwide markets, affecting economies worldwide. When he mentions, "We saw the whole worldwide economy at one time acting completely in sync", he is highlighting the integrated reaction to the economic turmoil. The interconnected nature of global financing and trade suggests that concerns in one nation's economy can promptly transfer to far-off corners of the world, affecting financial systems, organizations, and citizens worldwide.

The reference of Deutsche Bank is a poignant example of this dynamic. A crisis originating in the U.S. subprime home mortgage market rapidly broadened throughout borders, negatively affecting foreign banks and global financial institutions like Germany's Deutsche Bank. This functions as a clear indication of how deeply intertwined the international economy has actually become-- a home mortgage crisis in America leading to financial instability for a significant bank in Europe exhibits the flattening of world economies that Friedman explains.

Additionally, by mentioning, "the world is even flatter than I thought", Friedman acknowledges that even he undervalued the level of international combination and the speed at which economic tremors can travel throughout the world. This reflection highlights the increased significance of understanding and adjusting to a world where occasions in one area can have immediate and substantial effects universally.

Friedman's quote is a caution and a reminder to people and policymakers alike to acknowledge and adapt to this flattened worldwide landscape where financial policies, crises, and innovations are all global matters, tethered in complex interconnectivity. Overlooking this reality, Friedman implies, is akin to neglecting the lessons of the crisis itself.