Meaning: The quote "An organized effort is making to deceive the people. There are two great enemies of thought and progress, the aristocracy of royalty and the aristocracy of gold," attributed to Mary Elizabeth Lease, highlights the idea that there are powerful forces at work that seek to deceive and manipulate the general population. Mary Elizabeth Lease was an influential orator and political activist in the late 19th century, known for her advocacy of populist and progressive causes. This quote reflects her criticism of the elite classes and their impact on societal advancement.

In the late 19th century, during the Gilded Age, there was a growing sense of discontent among the American populace, particularly among farmers and laborers who felt marginalized by the concentration of wealth and power in the hands of a few. Lease's quote captures the sentiment of many who perceived that there were concerted efforts to maintain the status quo and prevent the advancement of the common people.

The first part of the quote, "An organized effort is making to deceive the people," suggests that there is a deliberate and coordinated attempt to mislead and manipulate the public. This could refer to various forms of propaganda, misinformation, or suppression of certain truths by those in positions of authority. Lease likely saw this as a tactic employed by the ruling classes to maintain their dominance and control over the masses.

The second part of the quote, "There are two great enemies of thought and progress, the aristocracy of royalty and the aristocracy of gold," identifies the aristocracy of royalty and the aristocracy of gold as impediments to intellectual and societal advancement. The "aristocracy of royalty" refers to the traditional noble classes who held power based on hereditary titles and privileges, while the "aristocracy of gold" alludes to the wealthy industrialists and financiers who had amassed significant economic influence. Lease's categorization of these as enemies of thought and progress reflects her belief that their entrenched power and wealth hindered the ability of society to progress and evolve.

Lease's words resonate with the broader populist and progressive movements of the time, which sought to challenge the dominance of the elite classes and promote the interests of the common people. The call to action implicit in the quote is to recognize and resist the forces that seek to deceive and obstruct progress, whether they stem from entrenched political hierarchies or economic disparities.

In contemporary contexts, Lease's quote remains relevant in discussions about power dynamics, wealth inequality, and the influence of elites on societal development. The idea of organized efforts to deceive the public can be seen in debates about media manipulation, political propaganda, and corporate influence. Similarly, the concept of an aristocracy of royalty and an aristocracy of gold can be applied to contemporary discussions about the influence of political dynasties and the concentration of wealth among the global elite.

In conclusion, Mary Elizabeth Lease's quote captures the spirit of resistance against deceptive and oppressive forces that hinder societal progress. It reflects the sentiments of her time and continues to hold relevance in contemporary discussions about power, inequality, and the struggle for a more equitable and just society.