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The most important one was the belief, which went back to…

“The most important one was the belief, which went back to Lenin, that capitalists would never be able to cooperate with one another for very long. Their inherent greediness—the irresistible urge to place profits above politics—would sooner or later prevail, leaving communists with the need only…” quote by John Lewis Gaddis
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““The most important one was the belief, which went back to Lenin, that capitalists would never be able to cooperate with one another for very long. Their inherent greediness—the irresistible urge to place profits above politics—would sooner or later prevail, leaving communists with the need only for patience as they awaited their adversaries’ self-destruction.””

John Lewis Gaddis

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Capitalists’ greed will eventually cause their cooperation to fail, leading to their self‑destruction and giving communists an advantage.

In simple terms: Greed undermines cooperation.

Key Takeaway

Expect rival collapse.

Themes

politics economics conflict

Mood

skeptical analytical

Type

historical political

When to use this quote

  • international negotiations
  • market competition
  • political strategy

Key Concepts

capitalism communism self‑interest

Questions to Reflect On

  • Can greed be mitigated?
  • What if cooperation reforms capitalism?
A Different Perspective

Assumes inevitable collapse, ignoring reforms.

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