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Change Quote by Benjamin Franklin

“Repeal that [welfare] law, and you will soon see a change in their manners. ... Six days shalt thou labor, though one of the old commandments long treated as out of date, will again be looked upon as a respectable precept; industry will increase, and with it plenty among the lower people; their…” quote by Benjamin Franklin
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“Repeal that [welfare] law, and you will soon see a change in their manners. ... Six days shalt thou labor, though one of the old commandments long treated as out of date, will again be looked upon as a respectable precept; industry will increase, and with it plenty among the lower people; their circumstances will mend, and more will be done for their happiness by inuring them to provide for themselves, than could be done by dividing all your estates among them.”

Benjamin Franklin

About This Quote

Source Speech: Poor Richard's Almanac, 1758

Abolishing welfare leads to self‑reliance, boosting industry and prosperity among the poor.

In simple terms: Removing aid forces people to work for themselves.

Key Takeaway

Encourage self‑sufficiency.

Themes

self‑reliance industry prosperity social policy

Mood

reflective critical

Type

political economic

When to use this quote

  • rural communities
  • urban poor
  • government policy debates
  • charitable organizations

Key Concepts

economic independence moral responsibility labor ethics

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can societies balance aid with encouraging work?
  • What safeguards protect the vulnerable when welfare is reduced?
A Different Perspective

May ignore structural barriers that prevent self‑sufficiency.

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