Skip to content

The Forgotten Man... delving away in patient industry…

“The Forgotten Man... delving away in patient industry, supporting his family, paying his taxes, casting his vote, supporting the church and the school... but he is the only one for whom there is no provision in the great scramble and the big divide. Such is the Forgotten Man. He works, he votes…” quote by William Graham Sumner
Download Open image
“The Forgotten Man... delving away in patient industry, supporting his family, paying his taxes, casting his vote, supporting the church and the school... but he is the only one for whom there is no provision in the great scramble and the big divide. Such is the Forgotten Man. He works, he votes, generally he prays-but his chief business in life is to pay… Who and where is the Forgotten Man in this case, who will have to pay for it all?”

William Graham Sumner

About This Quote

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

The quote describes the ordinary citizen who bears the burdens of society yet receives no direct aid.

In simple terms: Common people bear society’s costs without support.

Key Takeaway

Recognize and address the needs of the overlooked majority.

Themes

social justice economic inequality citizen responsibility

Mood

critical concerned

Type

political analytical

When to use this quote

  • welfare reform
  • tax policy
  • community support
  • civic engagement

Key Concepts

political economy public policy

Questions to Reflect On

  • Who are the modern “Forgotten Men” in your community?
  • How can policy better protect them?
A Different Perspective

Solutions may conflict with entrenched interests.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by William Graham Sumner

Explore all 104 William Graham Sumner quotes

More Bigs quotes

Browse all 15,539 Bigs quotes