The capitalists live in luxury and extravagance never before heard of in the history of the world. Being comparatively few in numbers, it was easier for them to organize than for workers. Consequently they have organized first, and, as long as the workers remain unorganized, there is none able to dispute their power. Their power is economic. In their hands they hold the meal ticket of the world.
Economic power is the basis of political, military, and all other forms of social power.
As long as the capitalists retain control of industry, nothing can break their power. Therefore, control of industry by the employing class is the root of the tree of capitalism. It is useless to trim the branches or cut them off, for as long as the root is functioning, new branches will grow. The only way to abolish capitalism is to strike at the root, and thus kill the tree by cutting off the sources of its nourishment. This is radical action and it is the only radical action.