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Capitalism Quote by John Berger

“The poverty of our century is unlike that of any other. It is not, as poverty was before, the result of natural scarcity, but of a set of priorities imposed upon the rest of the world by the rich. Consequently, the modern poor are not pitied...but written off as trash. The twentieth-century…” quote by John Berger
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““The poverty of our century is unlike that of any other. It is not, as poverty was before, the result of natural scarcity, but of a set of priorities imposed upon the rest of the world by the rich. Consequently, the modern poor are not pitied...but written off as trash. The twentieth-century consumer economy has produced the first culture for which a beggar is a reminder of nothing.””

John Berger

About This Quote

Source Book: Ways of Seeing, 1972 (essay collection)

The quote argues that modern poverty is not caused by scarcity but by the priorities of the wealthy, leading to the poor being dehumanized and treated as expendable in a consumer‑driven society.

In simple terms: Modern poverty stems from wealthy priorities, not lack of resources, dehumanizing the poor.

Key Takeaway

Challenge societal values that marginalize the poor.

Themes

social justice economics human rights

Mood

urgent somber

Type

critical philosophical

When to use this quote

  • policy advocacy
  • community organizing
  • educational programs

Key Concepts

consumerism wealth inequality social marginalization

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can societies restructure priorities to value all lives?
  • What role does consumerism play in sustaining inequality?
A Different Perspective

The critique may overlook structural complexities beyond consumer culture.

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