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About this quote

What does it mean?
The oppressed periodically elect representatives from the oppressing class to govern them.
In plain terms
People vote for oppressors to rule them.
What can you take from it?
Electoral systems can perpetuate oppression.

Where it applies

  • election cycles
  • policy reform

Putting it to work

  • push for alternative representation

Questions to consider

  • How can oppressed groups break this cycle?
  • What alternatives exist to class‑based representation?

Another view

Some elections do bring genuine change.

More from Karl Marx

  1. Sell a man a fish he eats for a day, teach a man to fish and you've ruined a wonderful business opportunity.

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  2. The Philosophers have only interpreted the world in various ways. The point however is to change it (Engraved upon his tomb)

    Permalink to quote #68
  3. I do not like money, money is the reason we fight.

    Permalink to quote #65

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