It is to labor, and to labor only, that man owes…
“It is to labor, and to labor only, that man owes everything possessed of exchangeable value. Labor is the talisman that has raised him from the condition of the savage: that has changed the desert and the forest into cultivated fields; that has covered the earth with cities, and the ocean with ships; that has given us plenty, comfort, and elegance, instead of want, misery, and barbarism.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Labor is the fundamental source of civilization’s progress and material comfort.
In simple terms: Work creates civilization and comfort.
Key Takeaway
Value labor as the engine of progress.
Themes
labor
economics
civilization
Mood
analytical
historical
Type
economic
philosophical
When to use this quote
- agriculture
- industry
- urban development
Key Concepts
production
value creation
Questions to Reflect On
- How does labor shape your community?
- What role does technology play alongside labor?
A Different Perspective
May ignore non‑labor contributions like innovation.