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Yet it ought to be clear that a minimum wage law is, at…

“Yet it ought to be clear that a minimum wage law is, at best, a limited weapon for combatting the evil of low wages, and that the possible good to be achieved by such a law can exceed the possible harm only in proportion as its aims are mode.” quote by Henry Hazlitt
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“Yet it ought to be clear that a minimum wage law is, at best, a limited weapon for combatting the evil of low wages, and that the possible good to be achieved by such a law can exceed the possible harm only in proportion as its aims are mode.”

Henry Hazlitt

About This Quote

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

A minimum wage can help raise pay but its effectiveness depends on how narrowly its goals are defined and balanced against potential job loss.

In simple terms: Minimum wage helps but must be carefully targeted.

Key Takeaway

Use wage policy with caution.

Themes

economics labor policy inequality

Mood

cautious analytical

Type

policy economic cautionary

When to use this quote

  • government legislation
  • business hiring
  • worker negotiations
  • economic forecasting

Key Concepts

market dynamics trade-offs employment effects

Questions to Reflect On

  • What are the trade‑offs between higher wages and job availability?
  • How can policy be designed to minimize negative side effects?
A Different Perspective

May reduce employment opportunities if set too high.

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