--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Under capitalism, we can't have democracy…" description: "\"Under capitalism, we can't have democracy by definition. Capitalism is a system in which the central institutions of society are in principle under aut..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/012/noam-chomsky-42_autocracy_under-capitalism-we-can-t-have-democracy_690490.jpg" --- # Under capitalism, we can't have democracy by definition… ![“Under capitalism, we can't have democracy by definition. Capitalism is a system in which the central institutions of society are in principle under autocratic control.” quote by Noam Chomsky](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/012/noam-chomsky-42_autocracy_under-capitalism-we-can-t-have-democracy_690490.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/012/noam-chomsky-42_autocracy_under-capitalism-we-can-t-have-democracy_690490.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/012/noam-chomsky-42_autocracy_under-capitalism-we-can-t-have-democracy_690490.jpg) > “Under capitalism, we can't have democracy by definition. Capitalism is a system in which the central institutions of society are in principle under autocratic control.” [Noam Chomsky](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/noam-chomsky/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Capitalism inherently concentrates power, making true democratic participation impossible under its structures. **In simple terms:** Capitalism limits democracy. Key Takeaway Question power structures that restrict democratic freedom. Themes politics economics democracy power authority Mood critical analytical Type political theoretical When to use this quote - policy analysis - activism - education - social movements Key Concepts critical theory political economy authoritarianism Questions to Reflect On - What reforms could balance market freedom with democratic control? - Can alternative economic models sustain both liberty and equality? A Different Perspective Democracy can be undermined by economic inequality. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Autocracy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/autocracy/) [Capitalism](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/capitalism/) [Capitalism Central](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/capitalism-central-2731822/) [Capitalism Democracy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/capitalism-democracy-593271/) [Definition Capitalism](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/definition-capitalism-1263441/) [Definitions](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/definitions/) [Democracy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/democracy/) [Democracy Definition](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/democracy-definition-5486647/) [Economics](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/economics/) [Institutions](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/institutions/) [Principles](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/principles/) ## Related quotes > [Capitalism is a system in which the central institutions of society are, in principle, under autocratic control. 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Herrera](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/carla-r-herrera/) ## More by Noam Chomsky > [The costs of the Bush-Obama wars in Iraq and Afghanistan are now estimated to run as high as $4.4 trillion - a major victory…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/noam-chomsky/the-costs-of-the-bush-obama-wars-in-iraq-and-afghanistan-are-now/) [Noam Chomsky](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/noam-chomsky/) > [If you believe in democracy, why shouldn't you know what the government is doing?](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/noam-chomsky/if-you-believe-in-democracy-why-shouldn-t-you-know-what-the/) [Noam Chomsky](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/noam-chomsky/) > [It’s a shameful moment for U.S. media when it insists on being subservient to the grotesque propaganda agencies of a violent, aggressive state.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/noam-chomsky/it-s-a-shameful-moment-for-u-s-media-when-it-insists-on-being/) [Noam Chomsky](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/noam-chomsky/) > [There are questions as to whether it should even exist. 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