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No society can surely be flourishing and happy, of which…

“No society can surely be flourishing and happy, of which the far greater part of the members are poor and miserable. It is but equity, besides, that they who feed, clothe and lodge the whole body of the people, should have such a share of the produce of their own labour as to be themselves…” quote by Adam Smith
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“No society can surely be flourishing and happy, of which the far greater part of the members are poor and miserable. It is but equity, besides, that they who feed, clothe and lodge the whole body of the people, should have such a share of the produce of their own labour as to be themselves tolerably well fed, clothed and lodged.”

Adam Smith

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

A flourishing society cannot coexist with widespread poverty; fair distribution of labor’s product is essential for wellbeing.

In simple terms: Society needs fair sharing of wealth to thrive.

Key Takeaway

Promote equitable economic structures.

Themes

economics equity social welfare

Mood

thoughtful serious

Type

philosophical political

When to use this quote

  • public policy
  • labor rights
  • tax reform
  • social safety nets

Key Concepts

political philosophy distribution theory

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can wealth be redistributed without harming productivity?
  • What policies ensure fair sharing of labor's output?
A Different Perspective

Achieving equity may conflict with existing power structures.

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