Capitalism Quote by Bertrand Russell
“Advocates of capitalism are very apt to appeal to the sacred principles of liberty, which are embodied in one maxim: The fortunate must not be restrained in the exercise of tyranny over the unfortunate.”
About This Quote
Capitalism claims liberty but often justifies oppression of the less fortunate by the powerful.
In simple terms: Liberty can mask tyranny over the poor.
Key Takeaway
Question freedom under capitalism.
Themes
politics
economics
ethics
Mood
critical
analytical
Type
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- policy analysis
- activism
- education
Key Concepts
power dynamics
social justice
liberalism
Questions to Reflect On
- How does capitalism affect individual liberty?
- What reforms could reduce oppression?
A Different Perspective
May oversimplify complex systems.
![“It astonishes me to find... [that so many] of our countrymen... should be contented to live under a system which leaves to their governors the power of taking from them the trial by jury in civil cases, freedom of religion, freedom of the press, freedom of commerce, the habeas corpus laws, and of…” quote by Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/d2e/thomas-jefferson-43_army_it-astonishes-me-to-find-that-so-many-of_1421509.jpg)
![“If the State does not acquire supremacy over [vast private] enterprises, it becomes their puppet, and they become the real State.” quote by Bertrand Russell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/bad/bertrand-russell-69_acquire_if-the-state-does-not-acquire-supremacy_1379.jpg)
![“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)
