Single Idea 23897

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

Full Idea

Money, once it becomes the goal of desires and efforts, cannot tolerate in its domain internal conditions in which it is impossible to be enriched.

Gist of Idea

Once money is the main aim, society needs everyone to think wealth is possible

Source

Simone Weil (The Work of a Free Person [1942], p.134)

Book Reference

Weil,Simone: 'Late Philosophical Writings' [Notre Dame 2015], p.134


A Reaction

The possibility for everyone that they might become rich seems basic to capitalism, even though it is utterly impossible. In theory we can all set up small successful businesses, but if they are good they nearly all get squeezed out.