Burden Quote by Michael Parenti
“Every ruling class has wanted only this: all the rewards and none of the burdens. The operational code is: we have a lot; we can get more; we want it all.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Politics of the Poor, Michael Parenti, 1978
The powerful seek benefits without responsibility, hoarding gains while avoiding duties.
In simple terms: The rich want all rewards, no burdens.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and challenge unequal power structures.
Themes
power
inequality
responsibility
greed
Mood
critical
defiant
Type
political
social
When to use this quote
- policy reform
- activism
- union negotiations
- tax reform
- public accountability
Key Concepts
political economy
elite capture
moral hazard
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you see responsibility and reward balanced in society?
- What mechanisms can enforce accountability?
A Different Perspective
Such a view may oversimplify complex motivations of leaders.
![“[The ruling elites] know who their enemies are, and their enemies are the people, the people at home and the people abroad. Their enemies are anybody who wants more social justice, anybody who wants to use the surplus value of society for social needs rather than for individual class greed, that's…” quote by Michael Parenti](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/465/michael-parenti-7383_class_the-ruling-elites-know-who-their-enemies_177994.jpg)
