We rarely hear, it has been said, of the combinations…
![“We rarely hear, it has been said, of the combinations [that is, unions or colluding organizations] of masters, though frequently of those of workmen. But whoever imagines, upon this account, that masters rarely combine, is as ignorant of the world as of the subject. Masters are always and…” quote by Adam Smith](https://sms4smile.com/q/img-quotes/792/adam-smith-1040_accounts_we-rarely-hear-it-has-been-said-of-the-c_2469442.jpg)
“We rarely hear, it has been said, of the combinations [that is, unions or colluding organizations] of masters, though frequently of those of workmen. But whoever imagines, upon this account, that masters rarely combine, is as ignorant of the world as of the subject. Masters are always and everywhere in a sort of tacit, but constant and uniform combination, not to raise the wages of labor above their actual price.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Masters (employers) subtly collaborate to keep wages low, while worker unions are more visible; this hidden alliance maintains labor price.
In simple terms: Employers collude to suppress wages, unnoticed.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and challenge hidden employer collusion.
Themes
economics
labor
power
class
Mood
analytical
critical
Type
economic
political
When to use this quote
- business negotiations
- policy making
- union organizing
Key Concepts
wage suppression
collective bargaining
market dynamics
Questions to Reflect On
- How can workers expose hidden employer alliances?
- What policies could disrupt this wage‑keeping?
A Different Perspective
Legal constraints can limit anti‑collusion actions.