Single Idea 21518

[catalogued under 24. Political Theory / D. Ideologies / 11. Capitalism]

Full Idea

Men combine in groups to attain more strength in the scramble for material goods, and loyalty to the group spreads a halo of quasi-idealism round the central impulse of greed.

Gist of Idea

Men unite in pursuit of material things, and idealise greed as part of group loyalty

Source

Bertrand Russell (Political Ideals [1917], 1)

Book Reference

Russell,Bertrand: 'Political Ideals' [Spokesman 2007], p.16


A Reaction

See the 'greed is good' speech in the film 'Wall Street'. This sounds like a description of the USA, but Russell was very much in England at this stage.