The capitalist class rules but does not govern: it contents itself with ruling the government.
Interpretation
The capitalist class exerts influence over government while not directly governing itself.
This quote by Karl Kautsky highlights the dynamic between the capitalist class and political governance, suggesting that while capitalists hold significant power and influence over the state, they do not engage in governance directly. Instead, they manipulate and control the political apparatus from the background, focusing on maintaining their ruling status rather than involving themselves in the day-to-day management of government affairs.
In practice
During a lecture on the influence of money in politics, one might reference this quote to illustrate the relationship between capitalism and governance.
The Negro has been here in America since 1619, a total of 344 years. He is not going anywhere else; this country is his home. He wants to do his part to help make his city, state, and nation a better place for everyone, regardless of color and race.
When a man wantonly destroys one of the works of man we call him a vandal. When he destroys one of the works of god we call him a sportsman.
Every religious tradition is rooted in mysteries I don't pretend to understand, including claims about what happens after we die. But this I know for sure: as long as we're alive, choosing resurrection is always worth the risk.
However things may seem, no evil thing is success and no good thing is failure.
A sense of the universe, a sense of the all, the nostalgia which seizes us when confronted by nature, beauty, music - these seem to be an expectation and awareness of a Great Presence.
We are like horses who hurt themselves as soon as they pull on their bits - and we bow our heads. We even lose consciousness of the situation, we just submit. Any re-awakening of thought is then painful.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.