“These capitalists generally act harmoniously and in concert to fleece the people; and now that they have got into a quarrel with themselves, we are called upon to appropriate the people’s money to settle the quarrel.”
- February 12, 1809 – April 15, 1865
- American
- Politician, lawyer
- As the 16th President of the United States, he issued the Emancipation Proclamation and led the Civil War to maintain the unity of the nation.
Quote
“These capitalists generally act harmoniously and in concert to fleece the people; and now that they have got into a quarrel with themselves, we are called upon to appropriate the people’s money to settle the quarrel.”
Explanation
In this quote, Abraham Lincoln criticizes the behavior of capitalists who, in his view, often work together to exploit the public for their own gain. Lincoln suggests that these individuals, when operating in unity, have a detrimental effect on ordinary people by taking advantage of them economically, referred to here as “fleecing the people.” However, when these capitalists fall into dispute among themselves, Lincoln argues that the government is pressured to intervene, using public funds to resolve their conflict. This reflects Lincoln’s skepticism about wealth concentration and economic inequality, suggesting that, while the wealthy may profit by working together, it is the taxpayer who ends up bearing the cost when those same capitalists need help. Lincoln’s words suggest a critique of economic systems that prioritize the interests of the wealthy over those of the general populace, and a caution against using public resources to bail out those who have already profited from the system.
Historically, Lincoln was deeply concerned about the potential for economic systems to favor the wealthy, and he sought to ensure that public policy would benefit the common people. While this quote predates modern debates over issues like corporate bailouts, it resonates with concerns about capitalism and economic fairness. It reflects a populist view that the government should not simply act as a tool for wealthy interests but should instead serve the public good. Lincoln’s administration dealt with issues such as banking, monetary policy, and the role of business in society, and his statement here could be interpreted as a critique of the way wealth and power were structured in 19th-century America.
In modern times, this quote continues to resonate in discussions about the role of government intervention in the economy, particularly in relation to corporate bailouts, banking crises, and the influence of big business on public policy. The quote highlights ongoing debates about whether the government should step in to support failing companies and industries, and whether that assistance ultimately serves the public interest or merely protects the wealthy elite. It also speaks to concerns about economic inequality and the disparity of power between large corporations and ordinary citizens, issues that remain central to contemporary political discourse. Lincoln’s warning serves as a reminder to be wary of policies that may disproportionately benefit the few at the expense of the many.
