--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: A new ethical standard was therefore…" description: "\"“A new ethical standard was therefore necessary. With great fanfare, then, much of the Left changed its official ethical standard from need to equality..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/62e/stephen-r-c-hicks-12692_capitalism_a-new-ethical-standard-was-therefore-nec_3086052.jpg" --- # A new ethical standard was therefore necessary. With great… ![“A new ethical standard was therefore necessary. With great fanfare, then, much of the Left changed its official ethical standard from need to equality. No longer was the primary criticism of capitalism to be that it failed to satisfy people’s needs. The primary criticism was to be that its people…” quote by Stephen R.C. Hicks](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/62e/stephen-r-c-hicks-12692_capitalism_a-new-ethical-standard-was-therefore-nec_3086052.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/62e/stephen-r-c-hicks-12692_capitalism_a-new-ethical-standard-was-therefore-nec_3086052.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/62e/stephen-r-c-hicks-12692_capitalism_a-new-ethical-standard-was-therefore-nec_3086052.jpg) > ““A new ethical standard was therefore necessary. With great fanfare, then, much of the Left changed its official ethical standard from need to equality. No longer was the primary criticism of capitalism to be that it failed to satisfy people’s needs. The primary criticism was to be that its people did not get an equal share.”” [Stephen R.C. Hicks](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephen-r-c-hicks/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. The quote argues that left‑wing criticism of capitalism shifted from meeting needs to demanding equal outcomes, requiring a new ethical framework. **In simple terms:** Critics now demand equal shares, not just needs met. Key Takeaway Recognize the difference between need‑based and equality‑based critiques. Themes politics economics ethics inequality Mood critical analytical Type philosophical political When to use this quote - policy debates - social movements - academic discussions - public discourse - activism Key Concepts distribution justice capitalism left‑wing ideology Questions to Reflect On - How does focusing on equality change policy priorities? - What are the risks of ignoring need‑based arguments? 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