Le Guin made this argument in her National Book Foundation medal speech on 19 November 2014. The official transcript includes “but then” before the comparison with kings; the displayed version is a familiar condensation of her own words.
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In context
Evoking the themes of creativity, freedom and power. Theme: "We live in capitalism. Its power seems inescapable; so did the divine right of kings". Atmospheric and restrained, cinematic directional light, a muted period-appropriate palette, fine grain and texture. Compose with generous empty space for the quote and a small credit line. No lettering in the image itself.
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Minimalist editorial slide for the quote "We live in capitalism. Its power seems inescapable; so did the divine right of kings". Clean background, a single muted accent color, generous negative space, subtle paper or linen texture, no literal illustration — let the words carry it. Reserve clear space for a serif quote and a small credit line. No lettering in the image itself.
Provenance
The source
Occasion
National Book Foundation Medal acceptance speech
Date
19 November 2014
Wording
The official transcript includes “but then”
Reuse
Official site permits quotation with copyright information
We live in capitalism, its power seems inescapable — but then, so did the divine right of kings.
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Fact-check
A shorter version of her words
The attribution is right; the transcript is slightly longer.
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Wording comparison: Ursula K. Le Guin
The official text ↗ includes “but then,” which the shorter circulating form omits.
✓Le Guin is the author; identify the displayed wording as condensed or quote the official transcript.
Context
Why it mattered
Accepting a lifetime-achievement medal, Le Guin warned against confusing literature with a market commodity. Her comparison with divine-right monarchy makes capitalism historically changeable, while the speech presents imaginative writing as one place where alternatives can begin.
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Filed under
More provenance-checked quotes on the same theme, each with its reuse status.
Ursula K. Le Guin wrote speculative fiction that used imagined societies to examine power, gender and the ways people live together. Her books include A Wizard of Earthsea, The Left Hand of Darkness and The Dispossessed; her essays also defended imagination as an adult responsibility.
Quotle.info. “Who really said ‘We live in capitalism. Its power seems inescapable; so did the divine right of kings’?” Last verified 9 Nov 2026. https://quotle.info/who-said/we-live-in-capitalism-its-power-seems-inescapable-so-did/