Concentrating Quote by Will Durant
“We conclude that the concentration of wealth is natural and inevitable, and is periodically alleviated by violent or peaceable partial redistribution. In this view all economic history is the slow heartbeat of the social organism, a vast systole and diastole of concentrating wealth and compulsive redistribution.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Economic history, 20th century
Wealth tends to accumulate naturally, periodically redistributed through conflict or reform, reflecting a cyclical pattern in societies’ economic life.
In simple terms: Wealth cycles of concentration and redistribution shape history.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and address wealth inequality cycles.
Themes
economics
history
inequality
redistribution
Mood
analytical
critical
informed
Type
economic
philosophical
When to use this quote
- policy making
- social activism
- financial planning
- education programs
Key Concepts
cyclical dynamics
social contract
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies balance wealth creation with fair redistribution?
- What mechanisms reduce violent upheavals?
A Different Perspective
Redistribution can be uneven, causing social tension and resistance.
![“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)
