Advocates of capitalism are very apt to appeal to the sacred principles of liberty, which are embodied in one maxim: The fortunate must not be restrained in the exercise of tyranny over the unfortunate.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Russell critiques capitalists who claim liberty while allowing the powerful to tyrannically dominate the weak.
- In plain terms
- Capitalist rhetoric of liberty hides the tyranny of the powerful over the poor.
- What can you take from it?
- Beware of liberty arguments that justify oppression.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- When does liberty become oppression?
- How can true liberty be defined?
Another view
Not all capitalist systems result in tyranny; many support individual freedoms.
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