Skip to content

Cities Quote by William Jennings Bryan

“New York is the city of privilege. Here is the seat of the Invisible Power represented by the allied forces of finance and industry. This Invisible Government is reactionary, sinister, unscrupulous, mercenary, and sordid. It is wanting in national ideals and devoid of conscience... This kind of…” quote by William Jennings Bryan
Download Open image
“New York is the city of privilege. Here is the seat of the Invisible Power represented by the allied forces of finance and industry. This Invisible Government is reactionary, sinister, unscrupulous, mercenary, and sordid. It is wanting in national ideals and devoid of conscience... This kind of government must be scourged and destroyed.”

William Jennings Bryan

About This Quote

Source Speech: Political Commentary, early 20th century, USA

The quote condemns the influence of financial and industrial elites as a corrupt, unseen ruling class that lacks moral purpose and must be opposed.

In simple terms: Powerful elites control government without conscience, requiring resistance.

Key Takeaway

Challenge hidden elite power.

Themes

politics corruption elitism power morality

Mood

cautious critical

Type

political analytical

When to use this quote

  • policy reform
  • public awareness campaigns
  • voting decisions
  • activist organizing

Key Concepts

capitalism invisible government reactionary forces

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does unseen power affect democracy?
  • What actions can citizens take against corruption?
A Different Perspective

The quote may overgeneralize and ignore positive contributions of business.

2.0 out of 5 (8 ratings)

More by William Jennings Bryan

Explore all 110 William Jennings Bryan quotes

More Cities quotes

Browse all 7,153 Cities quotes