Billions Quote by Laurie Penny
“The problem is capitalism. The problem is that in order to sell seven billion people on the necessity of globalisation, we've created a moral universe where people who do not work to create profit are considered less than human, and used as surplus labour to drive down the cost of wages.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Future Is History by Laurie Penny, 2022
Capitalism frames non‑profit work as less valuable, turning people into expendable labor.
In simple terms: Capitalism devalues those not creating profit.
Recognize and value all contributions.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- policy debates
- workplace equity
- activism
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies reward non‑profit contributions?
- What alternatives to profit‑driven models exist?
The critique may overlook individual agency.