Thus, it is a political axiom that power follows property…
““Thus, it is a political axiom that power follows property. But it is now a historical fact that the means of production are fast becoming the monopolistic property of Big Business and Big Government. Therefore, if you believe in democracy, make arrangements to distribute property as widely as possible. Or take the right to vote. In principle, it is a great privilege. In practice, as recent history has repeatedly shown, the right to vote, by itself, is no guarantee of liberty. Therefore, if you want to avoid dictatorship by referendum, break up modern society's merely functional collectives into self-governing, voluntarily co-operating groups, capable of functioning outside the bureaucratic systems of Big Business and Big Government.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Power follows ownership; as production concentrates, democracy weakens, so distributing property widely and forming voluntary self‑governing groups can protect liberty.
In simple terms: Concentration of power threatens freedom.
Key Takeaway
Distribute ownership, empower local groups.
Themes
politics
economics
democracy
freedom
Mood
cautious
optimistic
Type
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- community co‑ops
- local governance
- wealth redistribution
Key Concepts
political theory
social organization
Questions to Reflect On
- How can communities self‑organize effectively?
- What limits exist for voluntary groups?
A Different Perspective
Power can still dominate despite voting rights.