Class Quote by Arthur Young
“Everyone but an idiot knows that the lower classes must be kept poor, or they will never be industrious.”
About This Quote
Source Treatise: The Political Economy of the Poor, 1795
The quote claims that keeping lower classes impoverished is necessary for their industriousness, reflecting a cynical view of socioeconomic control.
In simple terms: Keeping poor poor ensures they work.
Key Takeaway
Question the ethics of systemic poverty.
Themes
social hierarchy
economics
class control
Mood
cynical
critical
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- policy analysis
- advocacy work
- educational outreach
Key Concepts
poverty cycles
labor exploitation
moral philosophy
Questions to Reflect On
- Why might poverty be perpetuated by those in power?
- What alternatives promote both dignity and productivity?
A Different Perspective
It presents a biased, outdated perspective.
![“[The word class has] been excised from the acceptable political vocabulary, except in the limited usage of right-wingers when they accuse liberals of inciting 'class warfare' - a charge that means it's okay for rich people to vote their economic interests but it's not all right to encourage poor…” quote by Harry Shearer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/7b1/harry-shearer-7595_acceptable_the-word-class-has-been-excised-from-the_521303.jpg)
