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Since the 1980s, we've been living in this era, really, of corporate rule, based on this idea that the role of government is to liberate the power of capital so that they can have as much economic growth as quickly as possible, and then all good things will flow from that.
Naomi Klein
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Interpretation

What this quote means

This quote critiques the belief that prioritizing economic growth will lead to societal benefits.

Naomi Klein's quote reflects on the prevailing ideology since the 1980s that promotes corporate rule and the idea that a government's primary role is to facilitate economic growth by empowering capital. It suggests that this focus on rapid economic development overlooks the complexities of society and may neglect the well-being of individuals and communities, raising questions about the true benefits of such a system.

Themes

Corporate RuleEconomic GrowthGovernmentCapitalSocietyCritique

In practice

Example use cases

In a discussion about economic policies during a town hall meeting.

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