Economic Quote by Gustav Heinemann
“We have to recognize that the freedom of the individual has to be protected not only from the power of the state, but even more so from economic and societal power.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Political Address, Gustav Heinemann, 1968
Individual liberty must be guarded from both governmental authority and the dominant influence of economic and social forces.
In simple terms: Protect personal freedom from state and powerful economic/social forces.
Key Takeaway
Defend personal rights against all powerful institutions.
Themes
freedom
rights
power
society
economics
Mood
concerned
determined
critical
Type
political
philosophical
activist
When to use this quote
- legislative debates
- civil rights movements
- corporate regulation
- community organizing
Key Concepts
liberalism
civil liberties
social contract
Questions to Reflect On
- How do economic interests shape personal freedoms?
- What safeguards can limit societal pressure on individuals?
A Different Perspective
Economic power can be diffuse and harder to identify than state power.
![“Just between you and me, shouldn’t the World Bank be encouraging MORE migration of the dirty industries to the LDCs [Less Developed Countries]?... I think the economic logic behind dumping a load of toxic waste in the lowest wage country is impeccable and we should face up to that... I’ve always…” quote by Lawrence Summers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/ac4/lawrence-summers-16940_air_just-between-you-and-me-shouldn-t-the-wo_4703.jpg)
