The employer class is less indispensable in the modern organization of industries because the laboring men themselves possess sufficient intelligence to organize into co-operative relation and enjoy the entire benefits of their own labor.

The quote "The employer class is less indispensable in the modern organization of industries because the laboring men themselves possess sufficient intelligence to organize into co-operative relation and enjoy the entire benefits of their own labor." by Leland Stanford reflects his belief in the potential of laboring men to organize and manage their own work without the need for an employer class. Stanford, a businessman and philanthropist, suggests that with the right intelligence and organization, workers could take control of the industries in which they work, establishing more cooperative relations and ensuring they reap the full benefits of their labor, rather than depending on employers to act as intermediaries.

Stanford’s quote points to the idea that laborers, often seen as the most vulnerable or dependent group in the industrial system, have the capacity to become self-sufficient. He implies that as industries evolve, workers can organize themselves into cooperatives, where they control both the production and profits of their work, bypassing the traditional employer-worker dynamic. This reflects a growing belief in worker empowerment and the potential of collective action.

The idea that the employer class is "less indispensable" suggests a vision of a more egalitarian society where traditional hierarchies in the workplace are dissolved. Instead of workers being exploited or controlled by employers, they would have the agency to organize and manage work in a way that benefits everyone involved. This aligns with socialist and labor movement ideas that advocate for the redistribution of power and wealth in the workplace.

In essence, Stanford’s quote envisions a future where self-organizing workers can create more just and equitable systems of production, where they are no longer dependent on employers for their livelihoods. It highlights the importance of cooperation, self-management, and empowerment in shaping a fairer and more productive economic system.