Corporation Quote by Ben Manski
“Thirty years after drafting the US Declaration of Independence, Thomas Jefferson warned of the dangers posed by the corporation, writing of the need to crush in its birth the aristocracy of our moneyed corporations, which dare already to challenge our government to a trial of strength and bid defiance to the laws of our country. Today, instead, the aristocracy of the corporation has grown to full maturity, wielding power over the state and its laws in the service of corporate aims.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Letter to the American People, Thomas Jefferson, 1791
Jefferson warned that powerful corporations could become a new aristocracy, threatening democratic governance and law.
In simple terms: Corporations can dominate government and law.
Key Takeaway
Guard against corporate overreach.
Themes
politics
economics
power
democracy
corporate governance
Mood
concerned
critical
thoughtful
Type
political
analytical
cautionary
When to use this quote
- legislative reform
- campaign finance
- public advocacy
- ethical business practices
Key Concepts
aristocracy
corporate power
political economy
regulation
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we balance corporate benefits with democratic safeguards?
- What mechanisms best prevent corporate dominance?
A Different Perspective
Corporations also create jobs and innovation, complicating simple condemnation.
![“The Declaration [of Independence] was a committee report, and [Tomas] Jefferson was simply the draftsman. [John] Adams's crucial role in bringing about independence in the Continental Congress has tended to get forgotten.” quote by Gordon S. Wood](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/121/gordon-s-wood-13199_committees_the-declaration-of-independence-was-a-co_2442911.jpg)
