--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: The words consent of the governed have…" description: "\"“The words consent of the governed have become an empty phrase. Our textbooks on political science and economics are obsolete. Our nation has been hija..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a2f/chris-hedges-2131_around-the-corner_the-words-consent-of-the-governed-have-b_2652118.jpg" --- # The words consent of the governed have become an empty… ![“The words consent of the governed have become an empty phrase. Our textbooks on political science and economics are obsolete. Our nation has been hijacked by oligarchs, corporations, and a narrow, selfish, political, and economic elite, a small and privileged group that governs, and often steals…” quote by Chris Hedges](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a2f/chris-hedges-2131_around-the-corner_the-words-consent-of-the-governed-have-b_2652118.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a2f/chris-hedges-2131_around-the-corner_the-words-consent-of-the-governed-have-b_2652118.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a2f/chris-hedges-2131_around-the-corner_the-words-consent-of-the-governed-have-b_2652118.jpg) > ““The words consent of the governed have become an empty phrase. Our textbooks on political science and economics are obsolete. Our nation has been hijacked by oligarchs, corporations, and a narrow, selfish, political, and economic elite, a small and privileged group that governs, and often steals, on behalf of moneyed interests. This elite, in the name of patriotism and democracy, in the name of all the values that were once part of the American system and defined the Protestant work ethic, has systematically destroyed our manufacturing sector, looted the treasury, corrupted our democracy, and trashed the financial system. During this plundering we remained passive, mesmerized by the enticing shadows on the wall, assured our tickets to success, prosperity, and happiness were waiting around the corner.”” [Chris Hedges](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/chris-hedges/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. The quote argues that democratic consent is hollow, with power seized by a privileged elite that undermines institutions and the economy while citizens remain passive. **In simple terms:** Democracy is being hijacked by a selfish elite. Key Takeaway Recognize and resist elite manipulation. Themes politics economics power citizen disengagement Mood cynical urgent Type political critical. When to use this quote - voting - community organizing - media literacy - support local businesses Key Concepts elitism democratic erosion economic exploitation Questions to Reflect On - How can ordinary citizens reclaim political agency? - What concrete steps can counter elite influence? A Different Perspective The elite may claim patriotism, but their actions often contradict public interest. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Consent of the governed](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/consent-of-the-governed/) [Political science](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/political-science/) [Protestant work ethic](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/protestant-work-ethic/) [Science](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/science/) [Work ethic](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/work-ethic/) ## Related quotes > [“The pretense continued over the generations, helped by all-embracing symbols, physical or verbal: the flag, patriotism, democracy, national interest, national defense, national security. 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