When we hang the capitalists they will sell us the rope.
StalinPowerRevolutionCapitalismExploitationIronyPower dynamics
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- This suggests that even oppressors depend on the systems they exploit, implying they will seek cooperation from those they harm when in trouble.
- In plain terms
- Those who oppress others may still need them for survival when their own power fails.
- What can you take from it?
- Oppressors often rely on the very people they exploit.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Who benefits when oppressive systems collapse?
- Can enemies truly be independent?
Another view
The quote is widely misattributed and lacks historical verification.
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