---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Every ruling class has wanted only this…"
description: "\"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 a..."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/2c8/michael-parenti-7383_burden_every-ruling-class-has-wanted-only-this_2073517.jpg"
---

#  Every ruling class has wanted only this: all the rewards…

![“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.” quote by Michael Parenti](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/2c8/michael-parenti-7383_burden_every-ruling-class-has-wanted-only-this_2073517.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/2c8/michael-parenti-7383_burden_every-ruling-class-has-wanted-only-this_2073517.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/2c8/michael-parenti-7383_burden_every-ruling-class-has-wanted-only-this_2073517.jpg)

> “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.”

[Michael Parenti](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/michael-parenti/)

## About This Quote

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

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.

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