Life Quote by Barbara W. Tuchman
““Not a passing phenomenon nor an external force, the companies had become a way of life, a part of society itself, used and joined by its rulers even as they struggled to throw them off. They ate at society from within like Erysichthon, the “tearer up of earth,” who, having destroyed the trees in the sacred grove of Demeter, was cursed by the goddess with an insatiable appetite and finally devoured himself attempting to satisfy his hunger. Discipline””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Proud Tower by Barbara W. Tuchman, 1966
Corporate power becomes ingrained in society, feeding on itself like a mythic glutton, making it hard to dismantle.
In simple terms: Corporations dominate and self‑sustain, becoming part of everyday life.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and challenge systemic corporate influence.
Themes
power
society
corporate culture
mythology
control
Mood
critical
reflective
Type
analytical
historical
When to use this quote
- policy making
- activism
- consumer choices
- academic study
- media analysis
Key Concepts
systems theory
mythic allegory
social critique
Questions to Reflect On
- How does corporate culture shape personal values?
- What steps can individuals take to limit corporate influence?
A Different Perspective
Corporate dominance can be resisted through collective action and regulation.
