--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: All classes of society are trade…" description: "\"All classes of society are trade unionists at heart, and differ chiefly in the boldness, ability, and secrecy with which they pursue their respective i..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/eb0/william-stanley-jevons-10797_ability_all-classes-of-society-are-trade-unionis_102708.jpg" --- # All classes of society are trade unionists at heart, and… ![“All classes of society are trade unionists at heart, and differ chiefly in the boldness, ability, and secrecy with which they pursue their respective interests.” quote by William Stanley Jevons](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/eb0/william-stanley-jevons-10797_ability_all-classes-of-society-are-trade-unionis_102708.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/eb0/william-stanley-jevons-10797_ability_all-classes-of-society-are-trade-unionis_102708.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/eb0/william-stanley-jevons-10797_ability_all-classes-of-society-are-trade-unionis_102708.jpg) > “All classes of society are trade unionists at heart, and differ chiefly in the boldness, ability, and secrecy with which they pursue their respective interests.” [William Stanley Jevons](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/william-stanley-jevons/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. All social groups pursue self‑interest, but they differ in how boldly, skillfully, and covertly they do so. **In simple terms:** Everyone seeks advantage, varying in style. Key Takeaway Self‑interest drives collective behavior. Themes economics social dynamics competition Mood analytical critical Type philosophical observation When to use this quote - political lobbying - market competition Key Concepts rational choice theory Practical Applications - 1-2 strategic planning Questions to Reflect On - Do all groups act primarily out of self‑interest? - How does secrecy affect outcomes? A Different Perspective Overlooks altruistic motives that can dominate group actions. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Ability](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/ability/) [Boldness](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/boldness/) [Class](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/class/) [Classes of society](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/classes-of-society/) [Courage](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/courage/) [Heart](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/heart/) [Interest](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/interest/) [Secrecy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/secrecy/) [Trade](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/trade/) [Trade union](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/trade-union/) ## Related quotes > [Aristocrats fear the people, and wish to transfer all power to the higher classes of society.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-jefferson/aristocrats-fear-the-people-and-wish-to-transfer-all-power-to-the/) [Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-jefferson/) > [We will stand by our friends and administer a stinging rebuke to men or parties who are either indifferent, negligent, or hostile, and, wherever…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/samuel-gompers/we-will-stand-by-our-friends-and-administer-a-stinging-rebuke-to-men/) [Samuel Gompers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/samuel-gompers/) > [I sometimes wish the trade unionists who work in the mass media, those who are writers and broadcasters and secretaries and printers and lift…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tony-benn/i-sometimes-wish-the-trade-unionists-who-work-in-the-mass-media-those/) [Tony Benn](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tony-benn/) > [New Labour has systematically alienated section after section of our natural supporters - teachers, health workers, students, pensioners, public service workers, trade unionists and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-mcdonnell/new-labour-has-systematically-alienated-section-after-section-of-our/) [John McDonnell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-mcdonnell/) > [From 1918 on, trade unionists were to express from the platforms of their congresses the workers' desire for peace through a rational organization of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/leon-jouhaux/from-1918-on-trade-unionists-were-to-express-from-the-platforms-of/) [Leon Jouhaux](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/leon-jouhaux/) > [You won't catch Liberal Democrats describing trade unionists as wreckers.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/charles-kennedy/you-won-t-catch-liberal-democrats-describing-trade-unionists-as/) [Charles Kennedy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/charles-kennedy/) > [I'm thinking about some developments say in the 80s when the anti-apartheid movement began to claim more support and strength within the US. 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