As to industrial conditions, however, Babbitt had thought…
““As to industrial conditions, however, Babbitt had thought a great deal, and his opinions may be coordinated as follows: "A good labor union is of value because it keeps out radical unions, which would destroy property. No one ought to be forced to belong to a union, however. All labor agitators who try to force men to join a union should be hanged. In fact, just between ourselves, there oughtn't to be any unions allowed at all; and as it's the best way of fighting the unions, every business man ought to belong to an employers'-association and to the Chamber of Commerce. In union there is strength. So any selfish hog who doesn't join the Chamber of Commerce ought to be forced to.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Labor unions protect property by excluding radical elements, but the author suggests all unions are undesirable and advocates employer associations
In simple terms: Unions are seen as a barrier to radical change, yet the narrator argues they should be abolished
Key Takeaway
Question the role of collective bargaining
Themes
labor
economics
politics
power dynamics
Mood
critical
skeptical
Type
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- business negotiations
- political debates
- union organizing
- policy making
Key Concepts
capitalism
collective action
property rights
Questions to Reflect On
- Is any form of collective organization ever justified?
- What alternatives protect both property and workers?
A Different Perspective
The view is extreme and ignores workers' rights and benefits