What is the most important for democracy is not that great fortunes should not exist, but that great fortunes should not remain in the same hands. In that way there are rich men, but they do not form a class.

Summary

This quote suggests that in a democratic society, the focus should not be on eliminating wealth altogether, but rather on preventing wealth from perpetually accumulating within a select few individuals or families. By ensuring that great fortunes are not concentrated in the same hands indefinitely, it prevents the formation of a privileged and powerful wealthy class that can potentially undermine democracy. It advocates for a more equitable distribution of wealth, allowing for the existence of individual prosperity while limiting the consolidation of economic and political influence within a small group.

Topics