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The right to work, I had assumed, was the most precious…

“The right to work, I had assumed, was the most precious liberty that man possesses. Man has indeed as much right to work as he has to live, to be free, to own property.” quote by William O. Douglas
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“The right to work, I had assumed, was the most precious liberty that man possesses. Man has indeed as much right to work as he has to live, to be free, to own property.”

William O. Douglas

About This Quote

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

Work is presented as a fundamental freedom essential to human dignity and liberty.

In simple terms: Work is a basic human right.

Key Takeaway

Protect workers’ rights as essential liberties.

Themes

labor rights freedom human dignity

Mood

analytical serious

Type

legal philosophical

When to use this quote

  • union organizing
  • minimum wage debates
  • employment contracts

Key Concepts

constitutional law economic rights

Questions to Reflect On

  • Is work always a liberty or sometimes a burden?
  • How should societies prioritize work versus other freedoms?
A Different Perspective

Balancing work rights with economic constraints can be complex.

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