Capitalism Quote by Vivienne Westwood
“The capitalist system is about taking from the Earth and from the other great commodity, labour. What's happening with this system is that the rich are getting richer and the poor are getting poorer, and the only way out of it is supposed to be growth. But growth is debt. It's going to make the situation worse.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: 2020 interview with Vivienne Westwood, The Guardian
The quote critiques capitalism as exploitative, widening inequality, and unsustainable growth driven by debt, worsening the crisis.
In simple terms: Capitalism exploits Earth and labor, deepening inequality and debt‑driven growth harms all.
Key Takeaway
Recognize systemic flaws and seek equitable, sustainable alternatives.
Themes
inequality
environment
economics
growth
debt
Mood
critical
concerned
urgent
Type
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- policy reform
- community budgeting
- ethical consumption
- grassroots activism
Key Concepts
Capitalist critique
systemic exploitation
sustainability
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies transition to a debt‑free, equitable economy?
- What personal actions reduce reliance on exploitative systems?
A Different Perspective
Growth driven by debt can exacerbate ecological and social collapse.
![“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)
