Able Quote by Vilfredo Pareto
“Increase in the wealth per capita fosters democracy; but the latter, at least according to what we have been able to observe up to now, entails great destruction of wealth and even eventually dries up the sources of it. Hence it is its own grave-digger, it destroys what gave it birth.”
About This Quote
Source Treat: Manual of Political Economy, 1906
Economic growth can enable democracy, but democracy may erode the wealth that created it, creating a self‑defeating cycle.
In simple terms: Wealth fuels democracy, which can then destroy that wealth.
Key Takeaway
Balance prosperity with institutional safeguards.
Themes
politics
economics
democracy
wealth
cycle
Mood
cautious
analytical
Type
theoretical
critical
When to use this quote
- policy design
- citizen education
- wealth taxation
- economic planning
Key Concepts
public choice theory
institutional decay
resource paradox
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies prevent democratic processes from undermining economic foundations?
- What safeguards preserve wealth while expanding political participation?
A Different Perspective
Democracy can also protect wealth if institutions are strong.
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