Class Quote by Michael Parenti
![“[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)
“[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 their enemy.”
About This Quote
The powerful class defines opposition as anyone seeking collective welfare over personal profit, labeling social justice advocates as enemies.
In simple terms: Elites view social justice seekers as threats.
Key Takeaway
Challenge the narrative that equates fairness with opposition.
Themes
power
social justice
class conflict
politics
ideology
Mood
critical
defiant
thoughtful
Type
political
analytical
provocative
When to use this quote
- policy debates
- grassroots organizing
- media analysis
- community activism
Key Concepts
surplus value
collective welfare
class greed
elite control
Questions to Reflect On
- Who benefits from labeling social justice as enemy?
- How can we expose hidden alliances?
A Different Perspective
The claim may oversimplify complex motivations and ignore allies within elite groups.
