Capitalism Quote by Ronald Wright
“Capitalism lures us onward like the mechanical hare before the greyhounds, insisting that the economy is infinite and sharing therefore irrelevant. Just enough greyhounds catch a real hare now and then to keep the others running till they drop. In the past it was only the poor who lost this game; now it is the planet.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: A Short History of Progress, 2004
The quote critiques capitalism’s endless growth myth, likening it to a chase where the economy is treated as limitless, making sharing seem unnecessary, while ultimately harming the planet.
In simple terms: Capitalism pretends the economy is endless, ignoring ecological limits.
Key Takeaway
Recognize limits, prioritize sustainability.
Themes
economics
environment
ethics
growth
inequality
Mood
concerned
critical
reflective
Type
analytical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- business strategy
- policy making
- personal consumption
- education
- activism
Key Concepts
sustainability
resource limits
social responsibility
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we redesign economic incentives for planetary health?
- What role does sharing play in a finite world?
A Different Perspective
It overlooks that some growth can be sustainable if managed wisely.
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