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Does capitalism depend on credit?
Credit is essential for the continuation of capitalism but also a major source of its instability, writes the MARX MEMORIAL LIBRARY
Credit cards 19/3/18

WELL, the short answer is “yes, capitalism does depend on credit.”  And it depends on debt, the other side of the “coin.”  But the way it manifests itself is complicated.  

Have a look at a £5, £10, £20 or, if you’re rich enough to have one, a £50 note. On the face with the Queen’s head on it, under “Bank of England,” all the notes have written: “I promise to pay the bearer on demand the sum of…” 

They are all promissory notes, IOUs, to you. But try taking your banknotes into a bank to ask for payment and you’ll get a very dusty answer. 

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