Ancient Quote by Adam Smith
“A criminal is a person with predatory instincts who has not sufficient capital to form a corporation.Most government is by the rich for the rich. Government comprises a large part of the organized injustice in any society, ancient or modern.Civil government, insofar as it is instituted for the security of property, is in reality instituted for the defence of the rich against the poor, and for the defence of those who have property against those who have none.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Wealth of Nations, Adam Smith, 1776
Government primarily protects property, favoring the wealthy over the poor.
In simple terms: Governments often serve rich interests.
Key Takeaway
Question the fairness of political structures.
Themes
politics
economics
inequality
power
Mood
critical
analytical
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- voting decisions
- activism
- business ethics
- community organizing
Key Concepts
social contract
class theory
public policy
Questions to Reflect On
- What reforms could balance power?
- How can citizens influence policy?
A Different Perspective
Not all governments act solely for the rich; some aim for public welfare.
![“History, I believe, furnishes no example of a priest-ridden people maintaining a free civil government. This marks the lowest grade of ignorance of which their civil as well as religious leaders will always avail themselves for their own purposes [Letter to von Humboldt, 1813].” quote by Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/cba/thomas-jefferson-43_atheism_history-i-believe-furnishes-no-example-o_491860.jpg)
