--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: The corporations are powerful only…" description: "\"The corporations are powerful only because we have allowed them to be. In theory, it is we, not they, who mandate the state. But we have neglected our ..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/2ef/george-monbiot-2762_advantage_the-corporations-are-powerful-only-becau_2497628.png" --- # The corporations are powerful only because we have allowed… ![“The corporations are powerful only because we have allowed them to be. In theory, it is we, not they, who mandate the state. But we have neglected our duty of citizenship, and they have taken advantage of our neglect to seize the reins of government.” quote by George Monbiot](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/2ef/george-monbiot-2762_advantage_the-corporations-are-powerful-only-becau_2497628.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/2ef/george-monbiot-2762_advantage_the-corporations-are-powerful-only-becau_2497628.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/2ef/george-monbiot-2762_advantage_the-corporations-are-powerful-only-becau_2497628.png) > “The corporations are powerful only because we have allowed them to be. In theory, it is we, not they, who mandate the state. But we have neglected our duty of citizenship, and they have taken advantage of our neglect to seize the reins of government.” [George Monbiot](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/george-monbiot/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Powerful corporations thrive on public acquiescence; citizens must reclaim civic responsibility to prevent corporate capture. **In simple terms:** We let corporations rule because we stay passive. Key Takeaway Reclaim civic duty to limit corporate power. Themes citizenship power corporate governance Mood concerned determined Type political activist When to use this quote - voting - community organizing - policy advocacy - consumer choices Key Concepts democracy social contract accountability Questions to Reflect On - What civic actions can you take today? - How can communities hold corporations accountable? 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