'There is some reason to fear that the involvement of non-Western peoples in the conflicts of industrial society, long overdue in itself, will be less to the benefit of the liberated peoples than to that of rationally improved production and communications, and a modestly raised standard of living.'
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Involving non‑Western peoples in industrial conflicts may benefit production more than the oppressed themselves.
- In plain terms
- Their involvement may help industry more than the people.
- What can you take from it?
- Beware of exploitation under the guise of progress.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How can we ensure benefits reach the intended groups?
- What safeguards are needed?
Another view
The claim assumes a uniform outcome for diverse peoples.
More from Theodor Adorno
'There is no love that is not an echo.'
Permalink to quote #117 'They are down to earth like their zoological forbears, before they got up on their hind-legs.'
Permalink to quote #119 'The world is systematized horror, but therefore it is to do the world too much honour to think of it entirely as a system; for its unifying principle is divis…
Permalink to quote #116
Related quotes
Ambassador Zhou Wenzhong, welcome! Your great country [of China] makes our Happy Meals possible!
Stephen ColbertStephen Colbert quote #42 If one rejects laissez faire on account of mans fallibility and moral weakness, one must for the same reason also reject every kind of government action. -- Pl…
Ludwig von MisesLudwig von Mises quote #1 Derangement is the signature expression of the Great Backlash, a style of conservatism that first came snarling onto the national stage in response to the part…
Thomas FrankThomas Frank quote #1