---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Before the monopoly should be permitted…"
description: "\"Before the monopoly should be permitted, there must be reason to believe it will do some good - for society, and not just for monopoly holders.\" — Lawr..."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/472/lawrence-lessig-3201_believe_before-the-monopoly-should-be-permitted_2580165.png"
---

#  Before the monopoly should be permitted, there must be…

![“Before the monopoly should be permitted, there must be reason to believe it will do some good - for society, and not just for monopoly holders.” quote by Lawrence Lessig](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/472/lawrence-lessig-3201_believe_before-the-monopoly-should-be-permitted_2580165.png)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/472/lawrence-lessig-3201_believe_before-the-monopoly-should-be-permitted_2580165.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/472/lawrence-lessig-3201_believe_before-the-monopoly-should-be-permitted_2580165.png)

> “Before the monopoly should be permitted, there must be reason to believe it will do some good - for society, and not just for monopoly holders.”

[Lawrence Lessig](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lawrence-lessig/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Monopolies should be allowed only if they demonstrably benefit society, not just private owners.

**In simple terms:** Monopolies need societal benefit, not just profit.

Key Takeaway

Demand public good before granting monopoly.

Themes

economics ethics policy

Mood

analytical critical

Type

philosophical policy

When to use this quote

- government approval
- corporate lobbying
- consumer protection

Key Concepts

public interest regulation market power

Questions to Reflect On

- What criteria should define “public good”?
- How to enforce accountability?

A Different Perspective

Profit motives can mask harm.

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