Doe Quote by Adam Smith
“Whatever work he does, beyond what is sufficient to purchase his own maintenance, can be squeezed out of him by violence only, and not by any interest of his own.”
About This Quote
Source Treatise: The Wealth of Nations, 1776
Labor beyond personal survival can only be extracted by force, not by personal desire.
In simple terms: People work extra only when forced, not out of personal interest.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the limits of coercion in labor.
Themes
economics
labor
coercion
Mood
analytical
concerned
Type
economic
ethical
When to use this quote
- voluntary overtime
- entrepreneurial initiative
- community projects
Key Concepts
workforce motivation
policy design
ethical labor practices
Questions to Reflect On
- What motivates people to work beyond necessity?
- How can societies reduce forced labor?
A Different Perspective
Not all extra work is forced; some is voluntary.
