Capitalist Quote by Walter Rodney
““The peasants and workers of Europe (and eventually the inhabitants of the whole world) paid a huge price so that the capitalists could make their profits from the human labor that always lies behind the machines. That contradicts other facets of development, especially viewed from the standpoint of those who suffered and still suffer to make capitalist achievements possible. This latter group are the majority of mankind. To advance, they must overthrow capitalism; and that is why at the moment capitalism stands in the path of further human social development. To put it another way, the social (class) relations of capitalism are now outmoded, just as slave and feudal relations became outmoded in their time.””
About This Quote
Source Book: How Europe Under Colonial Rule, Walter Rodney, 1972
Capitalism exploits workers, making them the majority who must overthrow it for true progress.
In simple terms: Workers are exploited; they must end capitalism.
Key Takeaway
Support collective action for systemic change.
Themes
exploitation
class struggle
capitalism
revolution
social change
Mood
critical
urgent
analytical
Type
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- labor movements
- policy reform
- education
- community organizing
Key Concepts
marxist theory
economic inequality
historical materialism
Questions to Reflect On
- What alternatives to capitalism could be viable?
- How can workers organize effectively?
A Different Perspective
The statement may overlook complexities of transition and potential unintended consequences.
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