Not only must weapons be bought and paid for out of…
“Not only must weapons be bought and paid for out of surpluses of capital and labour, but they must also be put to use. For this is the only means that capitalism has at its disposal to achieve the level of devaluation now required. The idea is dreadful in its implications. What better reason could there be to declare that it is time for capitalism to be gone, to give way to some saner mode of production?”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Capitalism must expend resources on weapons to sustain its devaluation, revealing its destructive nature and prompting calls for a new economic system.
In simple terms: Capitalism uses war to keep its value down, showing its danger.
Key Takeaway
Recognize how war serves economic ends.
Themes
economics
war
capitalism
critique
Mood
critical
somber
Type
analytical
political
When to use this quote
- policy analysis
- academic debate
- public discourse
- activism
Key Concepts
devaluation
means‑end justification
systemic violence
Questions to Reflect On
- What alternatives to militarism can reduce capitalist devaluation?
- How does this view change your perception of modern conflicts?
A Different Perspective
War may not be the only solution to economic crises.