In Every Society, It Is the Self-Serving That Prosper – Howard Zinn
Created at: March 26, 2025
In every society, it is the self-serving that prosper. — Howard Zinn
Critique of Social Inequality
Howard Zinn highlights the systemic injustice in societies where those who prioritize their own interests over the collective good tend to succeed. This suggests that wealth and power often go to those who manipulate the system rather than those who work for communal benefit.
Moral Reflection on Success
The quote challenges traditional notions of success, implying that personal gain is frequently achieved through selfishness rather than virtue or hard work. It asks the reader to consider the ethical cost of prosperity.
Structural Favoritism
Zinn may be pointing to how institutions are structured to reward self-centered behavior, reinforcing a cycle where altruism is undervalued and self-interest is incentivized.
Historical Perspective on Power
As a historian, Zinn often focused on marginalized voices and the abuses of power. This quote aligns with his broader argument that history tends to be shaped by those in power who act out of self-interest, often at the expense of the many.
Call for Social Awareness
By making such a stark observation, Zinn encourages readers to recognize underlying societal injustices and question the systems that celebrate self-serving individuals while overlooking those who act morally.