Able Quote by Carroll Quigley
“This priesthood became a closed group, able to control enormous wealth and incomes, and concerned very largely with the study of the solar and astronomical periodicities on which there influence was originally based. With the surplus thus created, the priesthood was able to command human labor in huge amounts and to direct this labor from the simple tillage of the peasant peoples to the diversified and specialized activities that constitute civilized living.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Tragedy and Hope, 1962
The priesthood monopolized wealth and labor, using astronomy to legitimize power and drive societal specialization.
In simple terms: Priesthood used astronomy to control wealth and labor, shaping civilization.
Key Takeaway
Recognize how knowledge can be used to dominate resources.
Themes
power
knowledge
economics
civilization
religion
Mood
critical
analytical
Type
historical
political
When to use this quote
- historical analysis
- political science
- sociology
- anthropology
Key Concepts
social stratification
resource control
institutional authority
Questions to Reflect On
- How does specialized knowledge affect social hierarchy?
- What mechanisms can prevent elite monopolies?
A Different Perspective
Such control can stifle innovation and create inequality.
![“There is not a tool, an implement, or a machine that has not resulted in a decrease in the contribution of human labor. Labor is not made permanently idle [though]; when replaced in one special category... it turns its attack against other obstacles on the main road to progress.” quote by Frederic Bastiat](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/0da/frederic-bastiat-2151_categories_there-is-not-a-tool-an-implement-or-a-ma_1496182.jpg)
