The oligarchic character of the modern English commonwealth does not rest, like many oligarchies, on the cruelty of the rich to the poor. It does not even rest on the kindness of the rich to the poor. It rests on the perennial and unfailing kindness of the poor to the rich.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Modern oligarchy depends on the poor being kind to the rich. Their tolerance sustains the system more than the rich's actions.
- In plain terms
- The poor sustain oligarchy by being too kind to the rich.
- What can you take from it?
- Systemic injustice relies on the patience of the oppressed.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Why do the poor stay kind?
- How does tolerance enable oppression?
Another view
Kindness is not always a weakness.
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