The true friend of property, the true conservative, is he…
“The true friend of property, the true conservative, is he who insists that property shall be the servant and not the master of the commonwealth; who insists that the creature of man’s making shall be the servant and not the master of the man who made it. The citizens of the United States must effectively control the mighty commercial forces which they have called into being. There can be no effective control of corporations while their political activity remains. To put an end to it will be neither a short nor an easy task, but it can be done.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
He says true conservatives view property as a tool for the public good, not a master, and calls for citizens to control powerful corporations.
In simple terms: Property should serve society; people must regulate big business.
Key Takeaway
Support policies that keep corporations accountable to the public.
Themes
politics
economics
conservatism
Mood
determined
hopeful
Type
political
inspirational
When to use this quote
- regulatory reform
- public advocacy
- anti‑monopoly actions
Key Concepts
public interest
corporate governance
Questions to Reflect On
- What steps can citizens take to curb corporate excess?
- How can we ensure reforms are effective and lasting?
A Different Perspective
Powerful interests may resist regulation, making reform difficult.