Ability Quote by Will Durant
![“In progressive societies the concentration[of wealth] may reach a point where the strength of number in the many poor rivals the strength of ability in the few rich; then the unstable equilibrium generates a critical situation, which history has diversely met by legislation redistributing wealth…” quote by Will Durant](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/6b1/will-durant-948_ability_in-progressive-societies-the-concentrati_2532010.jpg)
“In progressive societies the concentration[of wealth] may reach a point where the strength of number in the many poor rivals the strength of ability in the few rich; then the unstable equilibrium generates a critical situation, which history has diversely met by legislation redistributing wealth or by revolution distributing poverty.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Story of Civilization, Volume 9, 1944
When wealth becomes highly concentrated, the many poor can collectively challenge the few rich, prompting either redistributive laws or revolutionary upheaval.
In simple terms: Extreme inequality can trigger social conflict and change.
Key Takeaway
Address inequality before it destabilizes society.
Themes
inequality
power
social change
politics
economics
Mood
concernedanalreflective
Type
analytical
historical
When to use this quote
- policy debates
- labor movements
- economic reforms
- community organizing
Key Concepts
wealth concentration
class conflict
revolution
legislation
Questions to Reflect On
- What mechanisms can prevent wealth concentration?
- How can legislation balance fairness and economic growth?
A Different Perspective
Revolutions can cause instability and may not achieve lasting equity.
![“The only truly new ideas [the right] has come up with in the last twenty years are (1) supply side economics, which is a way of redistributing the wealth upward toward those who already have more than they know what to do with, and (2) creationism, which is a parallel idea for redistributing…” quote by Barbara Ehrenreich](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/143/barbara-ehrenreich-1204_come-up_the-only-truly-new-ideas-the-right-has-c_1962754.jpg)
