Capitalism Quote by Noam Chomsky
“Capitalism is based on the principle that everything has to be privately owned; it can't be held in common. There is even a dogma, which is today called, the "tragedy of the commons" which holds that if things are held in common they are going to be destroyed. If they're privatized, like you give them to Bechtel or Monsanto or ExxonMobil, then they'll be preserved because that's the capitalist's religion.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Lecture on Capitalism, 2015
Capitalism treats private ownership as a safeguard, claiming common ownership leads to ruin, but this view ignores collective stewardship benefits.
In simple terms: Capitalism favors private ownership, claiming commons cause ruin.
Key Takeaway
Question the assumption that privatization always protects resources.
Themes
economics
property rights
commons
environment
political ideology
Mood
critical
analytical
Type
lecture
political commentary
When to use this quote
- resource management
- policy making
- community projects
- environmental activism
Key Concepts
tragedy of the commons
public good
market failure
Questions to Reflect On
- What are examples where common ownership succeeded?
- How can we balance private incentives with collective responsibility?
A Different Perspective
Privatization can also concentrate power and limit public benefit.
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