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In all cities, the better classes - the business men - are…

“In all cities, the better classes - the business men - are the sources of corruption, but they are so rarely pursued and caught that we do not fully realize whence the trouble comes.” quote by Lincoln Steffens
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“In all cities, the better classes - the business men - are the sources of corruption, but they are so rarely pursued and caught that we do not fully realize whence the trouble comes.”

Lincoln Steffens

About This Quote

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

Points out that business elites are primary sources of corruption, yet rarely prosecuted, obscuring the root cause.

In simple terms: Business leaders often cause corruption but avoid punishment.

Key Takeaway

Address corruption at its source.

Themes

politics corruption class society elite accountability public policy

Mood

critical concerned

Type

journalistic political

When to use this quote

  • Urban governance
  • anti‑corruption reforms
  • media investigations

Key Concepts

Economic power legal enforcement

Questions to Reflect On

  • Who holds power in your community?
  • What mechanisms can expose hidden corruption?
A Different Perspective

Complex networks may hide true culprits.

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