Laissez faire! Let things alone! have said the judges of…
““Laissez faire! Let things alone! have said the judges of the camp. Careers are open; and although the field is covered with corpses, although the conqueror stamps on the bodies of the vanquished, although by supply and demand, and the combinations and monopolies in which they result, the greater part of society becomes enslaved to the few, let things along — for thus has decreed fair play. It is by virtue of this beautiful system that a parvenu, without speaking of the great lord who receives counties as his heritage, is able to conquer with ready money thousands of acres, expel those who cultivate his domain, and replace people and their dwellings with wild animals and rare trees. It is thus that a tradesman, more cunning or intelligent, or, perhaps, more favored by luck than his fellows, is enabled to become master of an army of workers, and as often as not to starve them at his pleasure.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The passage critiques laissez‑faire capitalism, showing how it lets a few dominate society, exploiting labor and land.
In simple terms: Unchecked capitalism creates inequality and exploitation.
Key Takeaway
Question and reform economic systems.
Themes
economics
power
inequality
exploitation
Mood
critical
hopeful
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- policy reform
- labor organizing
- land rights advocacy
Key Concepts
Capitalist structures
social justice
Questions to Reflect On
- What safeguards could prevent exploitation?
- Can fairness coexist with competition?
A Different Perspective
Free markets can also foster innovation and wealth.