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Age Quote by Abraham Lincoln

“And, inasmuch [as] most good things are produced by labour, it follows that all such things of right belong to those whose labour has produced them. But it has so happened in all ages of the world, that some have laboured, and others have, without labour, enjoyed a large proportion of the fruits…” quote by Abraham Lincoln
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“And, inasmuch [as] most good things are produced by labour, it follows that all such things of right belong to those whose labour has produced them. But it has so happened in all ages of the world, that some have laboured, and others have, without labour, enjoyed a large proportion of the fruits. This is wrong, and should not continue. To [secure] to each labourer the whole product of his labour, or as nearly as possible, is a most worthy object of any good government.”

Abraham Lincoln

About This Quote

Source Speech: "Labor and Equality", 1865

He argues that labor should receive the full fruits of its work, condemning the historic injustice where some profit without effort, and calls for government to protect workers’ rights.

In simple terms: Workers deserve the full product of their labor.

Key Takeaway

Ensure fair distribution of labor’s rewards.

Themes

justice economics labor rights government policy

Mood

serious hopeful

Type

political ethical

When to use this quote

  • wage negotiations
  • tax reform
  • social welfare programs
  • union organizing

Key Concepts

property rights social equity

Questions to Reflect On

  • What policies best secure workers’ share of production?
  • How can societies balance incentives with fairness?
A Different Perspective

Implementation may face strong opposition from entrenched interests.

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