Capitalism Quote by John Ruskin
““So far, therefore, as the science of exchange relates to the advantage of one of the exchanging persons only, it is founded on the ignorance or incapacity of the opposite person. . . . It is therefore a science founded on nescience. . . . This science, alone of sciences, must, by all available means, promulgate and prolong its opposite nescience. . . . It is therefore peculiarly and alone science of darkness.””
About This Quote
Source Book: Untitled essay on economics, John Ruskin, 19th century
The quote argues that exchange benefits only one party, relying on the other's lack of knowledge, making it a science of darkness that perpetuates ignorance.
In simple terms: Exchange benefits one while exploiting the other's ignorance.
Key Takeaway
Beware of one‑sided deals.
Themes
economics
ethics
power
knowledge
ignorance
Mood
cautious
critical
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
analytical
warning
When to use this quote
- business negotiations
- consumer contracts
- international trade
- financial markets
Key Concepts
asymmetry
exploitation
information imbalance
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we design exchanges that educate rather than exploit?
- What structures can balance knowledge in trade?
A Different Perspective
It ignores mutual benefit and cooperation that can reduce ignorance.
![“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)
