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 having.”
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.
Ensure inclusive participation.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- community projects
- policy making
- nonprofit work
- education reform
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- Who is excluded from current good‑making efforts?
- How can we motivate broader participation?
People may resist sharing resources, weakening the common good.