Capitalism Quote by Fran Lebowitz
“In the Soviet Union, capitalism triumphed over communism. In this country, capitalism triumphed over democracy.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: “The Trouble with Capitalism,” 1995
She contrasts how capitalism succeeded over communism in the USSR but later undermined democracy elsewhere, highlighting paradoxes.
In simple terms: Capitalism can defeat both communism and democracy.
Key Takeaway
Beware of unchecked capitalism.
Themes
politics
economics
paradox
history
Mood
critical
skeptical
Type
analytical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- political analysis
- policy debate
- public discourse
- education
Key Concepts
capitalism
democracy
ideology
systemic risk
Questions to Reflect On
- Is economic freedom compatible with democratic health?
- What safeguards protect democracy?
A Different Perspective
Capitalism’s triumph can erode democratic values, creating new challenges.
![“The Communist Manifesto was correct but we see the privileges of the capitalist bourgeoisie yielding to democratic organizations. In my judgment success lies in a steady [peaceful] advance [rather] than in a catastrophic crash.” quote by Eduard Bernstein](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/5b4/eduard-bernstein-69348_advancement_the-communist-manifesto-was-correct-but_1666539.jpg)
![“[Friendships] are easy to get out of compared to love affairs, but they are not easy to get out of compared to, say, jail.” quote by Fran Lebowitz](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/cdb/fran-lebowitz-690_affair_friendships-are-easy-to-get-out-of-compa_77324.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)
