Administration Quote by Lewis H. Lapham
“The genius of capitalism consists precisely in its lack of morality. Unless he is rich enough to hire his own choir, a capitalist is a fellow who, by definition, can ill afford to believe in anything other than the doctrine of the bottom line. Deprive a capitalist of his God-given right to lie and cheat and steal, and the poor sap stands a better than even chance of becoming one of the abominable wards of the state from whose grimy fingers the Reagan Administration hopes to snatch the ark of democracy.”
About This Quote
Capitalism is portrayed as inherently amoral, driven solely by profit, and vulnerable to corruption when stripped of its self‑justifying narratives.
In simple terms: Profit over principle.
Key Takeaway
Capitalism lacks moral compass.
Themes
morality
economics
politics
power
corruption
Mood
cynical
skeptical
critical
Type
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- business decision‑making
- policy debates
- social critique
- wealth inequality discussions
Key Concepts
capitalism
ethics
wealth
state intervention
Practical Applications
- critical analysis of market systems
- ethical training for economists
Questions to Reflect On
- Can profit motives ever align with ethical outcomes?
- What mechanisms could embed morality into capitalist structures?
A Different Perspective
Some argue markets can self‑regulate through competition and consumer choice, reducing the need for external moral constraints.
![“[For American consumer society], the country's reserves of ignorance constitute a natural resource as precious as the Mississippi River or the long-lost herds of buffalo.” quote by Lewis H. Lapham](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/6b0/lewis-h-lapham-7190_buffalo_for-american-consumer-society-the-countr_157122.jpg)
