Wherever the Industrial system has reached its second…
“Wherever the Industrial system has reached its second generation it is threatened by two mortal perils. The first is the demand by an organized proletariat for sustenance without relation to the product of its labor; a demand which threatens the very existence of PROFIT (on the necessary presumption of which Capitalism reposes). The second, and immediately graver danger is that of a revolt for the confiscation of the means 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.
Advanced industrial societies face two threats: demands for unearned sustenance and revolts to seize production means.
In simple terms: Industrial progress risks welfare demands and revolutionary revolt.
Key Takeaway
Address inequality before unrest.
Themes
economics
social
politics
Mood
cautious
critical
Type
economic
political
When to use this quote
- labor negotiations
- policy reform
- economic planning
Key Concepts
class struggle
capitalist critique
social welfare
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies balance profit and fairness?
- What safeguards prevent revolutionary upheaval?
A Different Perspective
May oversimplify complex class dynamics.