Attributes Quote by Henry Hazlitt
“The whole gospel of Karl Marx can be summed up in a single sentence: Hate the man who is better off than you are. Never under any circumstances admit that his success may be due to his own efforts, to the productive contribution he has made to the whole community. Always attribute his success to the exploitation, the cheating, the more or less open robbery of others. Never under any circumstances admit that your own failure may be owing to your own weakness, or that the failure of anyone else may be due to his own defects - his laziness, incompetence, improvidence, or stupidity.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Economics in One Lesson, Henry Hazlitt, 1946
The quote critiques a mindset that blames others for success and excuses personal failure, attributing all outcomes to exploitation rather than effort.
In simple terms: Blames others for success, excuses personal failure.
Key Takeaway
Recognize personal agency and merit.
Themes
politics
psychology
social critique
economics
ethics
Mood
critical
skeptical
reflective
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- political debate
- academic discussion
- personal reflection
- social media commentary
Key Concepts
marxism
attribution bias
victimhood
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you attribute success to effort or exploitation?
- How does this mindset affect personal growth?
A Different Perspective
Such a view ignores individual effort and systemic factors that can also contribute to success.
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