The genius of capitalism consists precisely in its lack of morality. Unless he is rich enough to hire his own choir, a capitalist is a fellow who, by definition, can ill afford to believe in anything other than the doctrine of the bottom line. Deprive a capitalist of his God-given right to lie and cheat and steal, and the poor sap stands a better than even chance of becoming one of the abominable wards of the state from whose grimy fingers the Reagan Administration hopes to snatch the ark of democracy.

Summary

This quote suggests that capitalism's success lies in its disregard for moral values. It argues that capitalists, who prioritize profits above all else, cannot afford to believe in principles other than maximizing their gains. If they were unable to deceive or act dishonestly, the quote suggests that capitalists would be at risk of becoming dependent on government assistance. The quote also implies the Reagan Administration seeks to protect capitalist interests at the expense of democracy. Overall, it presents a critical viewpoint on capitalism's moral implications and its impact on societal well-being.

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