‘Publicity is justly commended as a remedy for social and industrial diseases. Sunlight is said to be the best of disinfectants; electric light the most efficient policeman.’
During Brandeis’ time, large banking houses and businessmen were colluding to create large money trusts, which then went on to dominate various industries in America. For Brandeis, these trusts did not only stifle competition, but they were also unable to operate efficiently due to how large they became. As a lawyer advocating for public causes, Brandeis fought against J. P. Morgan and had a deep understanding of how investment bankers operated. Using his experience, Brandeis produced this book advocating for regulations on the banking industry in order to benefit the public good.
Louis Brandeis was a lawyer and associate justice on the Supreme Court of the United States. As a lawyer, he was a defender of progressive causes and fought against large corporations, monopolies, and public corruption.