--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Not a passing phenomenon nor an external…" description: "\"“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 a..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c96/barbara-w-tuchman-8258_life_not-a-passing-phenomenon-nor-an-external_362826.jpg" --- # Not a passing phenomenon nor an external force, the… ![“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…” quote by Barbara W. Tuchman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c96/barbara-w-tuchman-8258_life_not-a-passing-phenomenon-nor-an-external_362826.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c96/barbara-w-tuchman-8258_life_not-a-passing-phenomenon-nor-an-external_362826.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c96/barbara-w-tuchman-8258_life_not-a-passing-phenomenon-nor-an-external_362826.jpg) > ““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”” [Barbara W. Tuchman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/barbara-w-tuchman/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. 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? 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