Ancient greek Quote by Vladimir Lenin
““In capitalist society, providing it develops under the most favorable conditions, we have a more or less complete democracy in the democratic republic. But this democracy is always hemmed in by the narrow limits set by capitalist exploitation and consequently always remains, in effect, a democracy for the minority, only for the propertied classes, only for the rich. Freedom in capitalist society always remains about the same as it was in the ancient Greek republics: freedom for the slaveowners. Owing to the conditions of capitalist exploitation, the modern wage slaves are so crushed by want and poverty that “they cannot be bothered with democracy,” “cannot be bothered with politics”; in the ordinary, peaceful course of events, the majority of the population is debarred from participation in public and political life. The””
About This Quote
Source Speech: The State and Revolution, Vladimir Lenin, 1917
Capitalist societies claim democracy but limit real power to the wealthy, leaving most people excluded from political influence.
In simple terms: Democracy is limited to the rich.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and challenge economic inequality.
Themes
politics
economics
inequality
Mood
critical
analytical
Type
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- labor movements
- policy advocacy
- community organizing
Key Concepts
class struggle
democratic theory
Questions to Reflect On
- What reforms could broaden genuine participation?
- How does wealth concentration affect political decisions?
A Different Perspective
Economic power can still dominate despite formal voting rights.
