--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: In all cities, the better classes - the…" description: "\"In all cities, the better classes - the business men - are the sources of corruption, but they are so rarely pursued and caught that we do not fully re..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/905/lincoln-steffens-10842_business_in-all-cities-the-better-classes-the-bus_2556246.png" --- # In all cities, the better classes - the business men - are… ![“In all cities, the better classes - the business men - are the sources of corruption, but they are so rarely pursued and caught that we do not fully realize whence the trouble comes.” quote by Lincoln Steffens](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/905/lincoln-steffens-10842_business_in-all-cities-the-better-classes-the-bus_2556246.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/905/lincoln-steffens-10842_business_in-all-cities-the-better-classes-the-bus_2556246.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/905/lincoln-steffens-10842_business_in-all-cities-the-better-classes-the-bus_2556246.png) > “In all cities, the better classes - the business men - are the sources of corruption, but they are so rarely pursued and caught that we do not fully realize whence the trouble comes.” [Lincoln Steffens](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lincoln-steffens/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Points out that business elites are primary sources of corruption, yet rarely prosecuted, obscuring the root cause. **In simple terms:** Business leaders often cause corruption but avoid punishment. Key Takeaway Address corruption at its source. Themes politics corruption class society elite accountability public policy Mood critical concerned Type journalistic political When to use this quote - Urban governance - anti‑corruption reforms - media investigations Key Concepts Economic power legal enforcement Questions to Reflect On - Who holds power in your community? - What mechanisms can expose hidden corruption? 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