Capitalism Quote by Albert Einstein
““Production is carried on for profit, not for use. There is no provision that all those able and willing to work will always be in a position to find employment; an “army of unemployed” almost always exists. The worker is constantly in fear of losing his job. Since unemployed and poorly paid workers do not provide a profitable market, the production of consumers’ goods is restricted, and great hardship is the consequence. Technological progress frequently results in more unemployment rather than in an easing of the burden of work for all. The profit motive, in conjunction with competition among capitalists, is responsible for an instability in the accumulation and utilization of capital which leads to increasingly severe depressions. Unlimited competition leads to a huge waste of labor, and to that crippling of the social consciousness of individuals which I mentioned before.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Meaning of Life, Albert Einstein, 1950 (published posthumously)
The profit-driven production system creates chronic unemployment, fear, and economic instability, as competition wastes labor and harms social well‑being.
In simple terms: Profit focus harms workers and economy.
Key Takeaway
Rethink profit motives and protect employment.
Themes
economics
labor
technology
competition
social welfare
Mood
concerned
critical
reflective
Type
political
economic
philosophical
When to use this quote
- policy design
- labor unions
- social safety nets
- economic planning
- technological ethics
Key Concepts
capitalism
unemployment
technological displacement
market instability
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies balance profit with job security?
- What policies can mitigate tech‑driven unemployment?
A Different Perspective
Profit motive alone cannot ensure stable employment or social health.
![“Neither Italian fascism nor German national "socialism" have anything in common with such a [Soviet socialistic] society, primarily because private ownership of factories, plants, lands, banks, means of transportation, etc., remain untouched there, and, therefore, capitalism in Germany and Italy…” quote by Joseph Stalin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/411/joseph-stalin-1734_capitalism_neither-italian-fascism-nor-german-natio_1430.jpg)
