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Capitalism itself is not to be condemned. And surely it is not vicious of its very nature, but it has been vitiated.
Pope Pius Xi
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Capitalism is inherently neutral, but its implementation can be flawed.

Pope Pius XI suggests that capitalism, as an economic system, is not inherently evil; rather, it is the way in which it has been corrupted and poorly executed that leads to its problems. He emphasizes that the focus should not be on condemning the system itself but rather on addressing the vices and issues that arise from its practices.

Themes

CapitalismVitiatedEconomyPhilosophyCritique

In practice

Example use cases

In a debate about economic systems, this quote could be used to highlight the flaws of capitalism rather than dismissing it outright.

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The Rosary is a powerful weapon to put the demons to flight and to keep oneself from sin…If you desire peace in your hearts, in your homes, and in your country, assemble each evening to recite the Rosary. Let not even one day pass without saying it, no matter how burdened you may be with many cares and labors.
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This power becomes particularly irresistible when exercised by those who, because they hold and control money, are able also to govern credit and determine its allotment, for that reason supplying, so to speak, the lifeblood to the entire economic body, and grasping, as it were, in their hands the very soul of production, so that no one dare breathe against their will.
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It violates right order whenever capital so employs the working or wage-earning classes as to divert business and economic activity entirely to its own arbitrary will and advantage, without any regard to the human dignity of the workers, the social character of economic life, social justice, and the common good.
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From it (the Rosary) the young will draw fresh energy with which to control the rebellious tendencies to evil and to preserve intact the stainless purity of the soul. Also in it, the old will again find repose, relief, and peace from their anxious cares. And to all those who suffer in any way, especially the dying, may it bring comfort and increase the hope of eternal happiness.
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