The critical point is that the Constitution places the right of silence beyond the reach of government.
William O. DouglasRead
One aspect of modern life which has gone far to stifle men is the rapid growth of tremendous corporations. Enormous spiritual sacrifices are made in the transformation of shopkeepers into employees... The disappearance of free enterprise has led to a submergence of the individual in the impersonal corporation in much the same manner as he has been submerged in the state in other lands.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote criticizes how large corporations suppress individuality and free enterprise, affecting personal identity.
William O. Douglas highlights the negative impact of immense corporations on individual freedom and identity. He suggests that the rise of these entities transforms individuals from independent shopkeepers into mere employees, thereby erasing the personal touch and autonomy that define their existence. This phenomenon mirrors the way individuals can become submerged within the state in other countries, pointing to a broader concern about personal sacrifices made in modern society for the sake of corporate growth.
Themes
CorporationsIndividualityFree EnterpriseIdentityModern Life
In practice
Example use cases
During a lecture on economic freedom, this quote can illustrate the impact of corporate dominance on individual identity.
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All quotes →One who comes to the Court must come to adore, not to protest. That's the new gloss on the First Amendment.
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I have the same confidence in the ability of our people to reject noxious literature as I have in their capacity to sort out the true from the false in theology, economics, or any other field.
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