Family Quote by Adam Smith
“A man must always live by his work, and his wages must at least be sufficient to maintain him. They must even upon most occasions be somewhat more; otherwise it would be impossible for him to bring up a family, and the race of such workmen could not last beyond the first generation.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Wealth of Nations, 1776
People need wages that cover basic needs and a surplus to support families and sustain work across generations.
In simple terms: Wages must cover needs and allow for a better life.
Key Takeaway
Ensure fair compensation that exceeds mere subsistence.
Themes
economics
labor
fairness
generational stability
Mood
pragmatic
reflective
Type
economic
ethical
When to use this quote
- employment contracts
- minimum wage legislation
- family budgeting
Key Concepts
social contract
human welfare
Questions to Reflect On
- What defines a “sufficient” wage in modern economies?
- How do cultural values affect wage expectations?
A Different Perspective
It assumes a uniform cost of living and ignores non‑monetary motivations.
![“We rarely hear, it has been said, of the combinations [that is, unions or colluding organizations] of masters, though frequently of those of workmen. But whoever imagines, upon this account, that masters rarely combine, is as ignorant of the world as of the subject. Masters are always and…” quote by Adam Smith](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/792/adam-smith-1040_accounts_we-rarely-hear-it-has-been-said-of-the-c_2469442.jpg)
