Afraid Quote by Woodrow Wilson
““Some of the biggest men in the United States, in the field of commerce and manufacture, are afraid of somebody, are afraid of something. They know that there is a power somewhere so organized, so subtle, so watchful, so interlocked, so complete, so pervasive that they had better not speak above their breath when they speak in condemnation of it.””
About This Quote
Source Speech: Address to the American Economic Association, 1915
Powerful, unseen forces in commerce cause fear and self‑censorship among leaders.
In simple terms: Business leaders fear a hidden, pervasive power.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and address systemic influences in markets.
Themes
economics
power
fear
politics
Mood
analytical
cautious
Type
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- policy making
- corporate governance
- public discourse
- regulatory reform
Key Concepts
institutional power
social control
corporate anxiety
Questions to Reflect On
- What mechanisms create invisible power structures?
- How can transparency reduce fear in commerce?
A Different Perspective
Overemphasis on conspiracy may ignore transparent market dynamics.
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