Capitalism Quote by Terry Eagleton
““You can tell that the capitalist system is in trouble when people start talking about capitalism. It indicates that the system has ceased to be as natural as the air we breathe, and can be seen instead as the historically rather recent phenomenon that it is.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Meaning of Capitalism, 2015
When people begin to discuss capitalism as a concept, it signals that the system no longer feels natural but is recognized as a recent historical construct.
In simple terms: Talking about capitalism shows it feels unnatural.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and question the assumed naturalness of economic systems.
Themes
economics
history
critique
culture
Mood
critical
reflective
Type
analytical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- academic debate
- policy analysis
- public discourse
- education
- media commentary
Key Concepts
social construct
historical materialism
ideology
Questions to Reflect On
- How does labeling capitalism as 'unnatural' affect your view of economic policy?
- What historical factors made capitalism seem natural?
A Different Perspective
The quote may overlook those who accept capitalism without questioning its origins.
![“Neither Italian fascism nor German national "socialism" have anything in common with such a [Soviet socialistic] society, primarily because private ownership of factories, plants, lands, banks, means of transportation, etc., remain untouched there, and, therefore, capitalism in Germany and Italy…” quote by Joseph Stalin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/411/joseph-stalin-1734_capitalism_neither-italian-fascism-nor-german-natio_1430.jpg)
