You cannot make a man worth a given amount by making it…
“You cannot make a man worth a given amount by making it illegal for anyone to offer him anything less. You merely deprive him of the right to earn the amount that his abilities and situation would permit him to earn, while you deprive the community even of the moderate services that he is capable of rendering. In brief, for a low wage you substitute unemployment. You do harm all around, with no comparable compensation.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Low wages force workers into unemployment, harming both individuals and society by reducing available services and productivity.
In simple terms: Low wages cause unemployment and hurt the community.
Key Takeaway
Avoid setting wages below market value.
Themes
economics
labor
policy
social welfare
unemployment
productivity
Mood
concerned
analytical
Type
economic
policy
When to use this quote
- minimum wage debates
- business hiring decisions
- government labor regulations
- social safety net design
- economic education
Key Concepts
Opportunity cost
market equilibrium
income distribution
public good
Questions to Reflect On
- How would raising wages affect small businesses?
- What alternatives exist to support low‑skill workers?
A Different Perspective
Higher wages may increase labor costs and cause job cuts if not balanced with productivity gains.