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About this quote

What does it mean?
Churchill contrasts capitalism's inequality with socialism's shared hardship in a cynical way.
In plain terms
Capitalism shares wealth unevenly; socialism shares hardship equally.
What can you take from it?
Both systems have inherent flaws.

Where it applies

  • political debate
  • policy analysis
  • history

Putting it to work

  • analyze systems critically
  • seek balanced solutions

Questions to consider

  • What is the best economic system?
  • How do we share benefits?

Another view

It is a oversimplified view.

More from Winston Churchill

  1. The Hun is either at your throat or at your feet.

    Permalink to quote #168
  2. The maxim 'nothing avails but perfection' may be spelt shorter: PARALYSIS.

    Permalink to quote #170
  3. The House of Commons has lifted our affairs above the mechanical sphere into the human sphere.

    Permalink to quote #167

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