Joseph Pulitzer: Money Power

Posted by admin on Sunday, April 10, 2022

Joseph Pulitzer Money Quote saying Money rules over everyone and is controlled by corporate greed. Joseph Pulitzer said:

 

 

“Money is the great power today. Men sell their souls for it. Women sell their bodies for it. Others worship it. The money power has grown so great that the issue of all issues is whether the corporation shall rule this country or the country shall again rule the corporations” — Joseph Pulitzer

 

 

The money quote above is a powerful statement about the influence of money in society, attributed to Joseph Pulitzer, a renowned journalist and newspaper publisher. Here are some additional insights about the quote:

1. Context: The quote is believed to have been delivered by Pulitzer in a speech he gave at the University of Wisconsin in 1909. The speech was titled “The Power of the Press,” and it focused on the responsibility of journalism in a democratic society.
2. Critique of corporate power: The quote highlights Pulitzer’s concern about the growing power of corporations in the early 20th century. He believed that corporations were becoming too influential and that their influence was threatening the well-being of society.
3. Reference to the corporate-government nexus: Pulitzer’s statement suggests that the relationship between corporations and government was becoming increasingly cozy, with corporations wielding significant influence over government policies and decisions.
4. Critique of the commodification of the human experience: The quote also touches on the theme of the commodification of the human experience, where people are willing to sell their souls (i.e., their values, principles, and autonomy) for financial gain.
5. Warning about the dangers of unchecked corporate power: Pulitzer’s statement serves as a warning about the dangers of unchecked corporate power and the need for vigilance in ensuring that corporations do not become too powerful and that their activities serve the greater good.
6. Relevance today: The quote remains relevant today, as many of the same issues that Pulitzer raised over a century ago continue to be relevant. The influence of corporate money in politics, the commodification of the human experience, and the need for vigilance in ensuring that corporations serve the greater good are all still pressing concerns.
7. Pulitzer’s legacy: Joseph Pulitzer was a pioneering journalist and newspaper publisher who is best known for his work at the New York World and the New York Journal. He was a vocal advocate for progressive reforms and was known for his muckraking exposés of political corruption and corporate malfeasance.

Overall, the money quote above is a powerful reminder of the need for vigilance in ensuring that corporate power is not allowed to dominate society and that the well-being of all people is prioritized over the interests of corporations.