For it is an absurdity to call a country civilized in…
“For it is an absurdity to call a country civilized in which a decent and industrious man, laboriously mastering a trade which is valuble and necessary to the common weal, has no assurance that it will sustain him while he stands ready to practice it, or keep him out of the poorhouse when illness or age makes him idle.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The quote argues that a society cannot be truly civilized if it fails to provide economic security for diligent workers, especially when they become unable to work due to age or illness.
In simple terms: Civilization requires social safety nets for workers.
Key Takeaway
Economic security is a measure of civilization.
Themes
social justice
economic security
civilization
labor dignity
welfare
Mood
concerned
critical
reflective
Type
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- policy debates on unemployment insurance
- discussions on retirement benefits
- analyses of labor market protections
Key Concepts
social contract
labor value
poverty prevention
Practical Applications
- designing social safety net programs
- advocating for universal basic income
Questions to Reflect On
- What responsibilities does a society have toward its workers?
- How does economic insecurity affect social cohesion?