[T]he more public provisions were made for the poor, the…
![“[T]he more public provisions were made for the poor, the less they provided for themselves, and of course became poorer . . . [taking] away from before their eyes the greatest of all inducements to industry, frugality, and sobriety, by giving them a dependence of somewhat else than a careful…” quote by Benjamin Franklin](https://sms4smile.com/q/img-quotes/1cd/benjamin-franklin-65_accumulation_t-he-more-public-provisions-were-made-fo_386793.jpg)
“[T]he more public provisions were made for the poor, the less they provided for themselves, and of course became poorer . . . [taking] away from before their eyes the greatest of all inducements to industry, frugality, and sobriety, by giving them a dependence of somewhat else than a careful accumulation during youth and health for support in age and sickness.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Public aid can reduce self‑reliance, leading to greater poverty and loss of industrious virtues.
In simple terms: Too much help can make people dependent.
Key Takeaway
Balance assistance with encouragement of personal effort.
Themes
poverty
self‑reliance
government policy
industriousness
Mood
cautious
reflective
Type
analytical
policy‑oriented
When to use this quote
- welfare design
- social safety nets
- personal finance education
- community development
Key Concepts
dependence
frugality
sobriety
economic incentives
Questions to Reflect On
- How can programs promote both support and self‑sufficiency?
- What incentives encourage frugality?
A Different Perspective
Aid without fostering independence may perpetuate poverty.