Assuming Quote by William Graham Sumner
“The real danger of democracy is, that the classes which have the power under it will assume all the rights and reject all the duties-that is, that they will use the political power to plunder those-who-have.”
About This Quote
Source Book: What Social Classes Owe to Each Other, 1915
Those in power often claim rights while ignoring duties, using politics to exploit others.
In simple terms: Power can corrupt responsibility.
Key Takeaway
Demand accountability from leaders.
Themes
politics
social justice
power dynamics
Mood
concerned
determined
Type
philosophical
call to action
When to use this quote
- voting
- community activism
- policy advocacy
- education programs
Key Concepts
Ethics
civic duty
Questions to Reflect On
- How can citizens enforce duties on the powerful?
- What responsibilities should accompany rights?
A Different Perspective
Power structures can be resistant to change.
![“The yearning after equality [in economic outcome] is the offspring of envy and covetousness, and there is no possible plan for satisfying that yearning which can do aught else than rob A to give to B; consequently all such plans nourish some of the meanest vices of human nature, waste capital, and…” quote by William Graham Sumner](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/9b4/william-graham-sumner-5011_can-do_the-yearning-after-equality-in-economic_454035.jpg)
