Able Quote by Bertrand Russell
“In democratic countries, the most important private organizations are economic. Unlike secret societies, they are able to exercise their terrorism without illegality, since they do not threaten to kill their enemies, but only to starve them.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: "The Social Impact of Economic Power", 1930s
Economic entities can wield coercive influence like terrorism without breaking laws, using financial pressure instead of violence.
In simple terms: Powerful firms can coerce through money, not guns.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and regulate economic coercion.
Themes
power
economics
ethics
politics
Mood
critical
concerned
Type
analytical
political
When to use this quote
- corporate negotiations
- policy making
- consumer activism
- labor disputes
Key Concepts
coercion
financial leverage
legal loopholes
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies curb economic coercion?
- What legal tools are effective?
A Different Perspective
Legal frameworks may lag behind innovative economic tactics.
![“The peoples are not awake...[There are dangers] which will render a world organization impossible. I foresee the renewal of...the secret bargaining behind closed doors. Peoples will be as before, the sheep sent to the slaughterhouses or to the meadows as it pleases the shepherds. International…” quote by Henri La Fontaine](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/db7/henri-la-fontaine-74178_awake_the-peoples-are-not-awake-there-are-dang_1377439.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)
