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We have learned to say that the good must be extended to…

“We have learned to say that the good must be extended to all of society before it can be held secure by any one person or any one class. But we have not yet learned to add to that statement, that unless all [people] and all classes contribute to a good, we cannot even be sure that it is worth…” quote by Jane Addams
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“We have learned to say that the good must be extended to all of society before it can be held secure by any one person or any one class. But we have not yet learned to add to that statement, that unless all [people] and all classes contribute to a good, we cannot even be sure that it is worth having.”

Jane Addams

About This Quote

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

A good that benefits everyone requires contributions from all people and classes; otherwise its value is uncertain.

In simple terms: Good needs universal contribution.

Key Takeaway

Ensure inclusive participation.

Themes

social justice collective good equity

Mood

concerned hopeful

Type

political philosophical

When to use this quote

  • community projects
  • policy making
  • nonprofit work
  • education reform

Key Concepts

public welfare shared responsibility

Questions to Reflect On

  • Who is excluded from current good‑making efforts?
  • How can we motivate broader participation?
A Different Perspective

People may resist sharing resources, weakening the common good.

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