About this quote

A society able to build and sustain a vast, intricate social order proves it has real coordinating ability. That capacity is neutral: the same talent for structure that can entrench a harmful hierarchy could be redirected toward fairer, more useful ends once people decide to aim it differently.

When to use it

• A company notorious for rigid bureaucracy uses that same discipline to roll out a factory-wide safety overhaul in weeks.
• A neighborhood that once ran an exclusive members-only club channels the same volunteer lists into a food drive open to everyone.
• A school known for strict student tracking redirects its scheduling machinery to hand struggling kids extra tutoring slots.