Add Quote by Adam Smith
“Thus the labour of a manufacture adds, generally, to the value of the materials which he works upon, that of his own maintenance, and of his masters profits. The labour of a menial servant, on the contrary, adds to the value of nothing.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Wealth of Nations, 1776
Labor that creates value adds to material worth, sustains the worker, and yields profit; menial labor adds none.
In simple terms: Value‑creating work boosts material worth and profit; menial work does not.
Key Takeaway
Focus on productive labor.
Themes
economics
labor
value creation
Mood
analytical
critical
Type
philosophical
economic
When to use this quote
- business planning
- career development
- investment decisions
- policy making
Key Concepts
value theory
production
class analysis
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you assess the value of your work?
- What tasks could be more value‑creating?
A Different Perspective
Assumes all labor can be clearly classified as productive or menial.
