Believe Quote by Ayn Rand
“Two world wars, three monstrous dictatorships-in Soviet Russia, Nazi Germany, Red China-plus every lesser variant of devastating socialist experimentation in a global spread of brutality and despair, have not prompted modern intellectuals to question or revise their dogma. They still think that it is daring, idealistic and unconventional to denounce the rich. They still believe that money is the root of all evil-except government money, which is the solution to all problems.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Virtue of Selfishness, 1964
Modern intellectuals cling to anti‑wealth dogma despite historic atrocities, refusing to critique capitalism.
In simple terms: People ignore capitalism’s flaws despite past horrors.
Question wealth criticism.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- academic debate
- political activism
- policy analysis
- public discourse
- media commentary
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How does historical context shape economic ideology?
- What responsibilities do intellectuals have to challenge prevailing dogmas?
Critiques of capitalism can overlook systemic oppression and inequality.