Able Quote by Brigham Young
“My experience has taught me, and it has become a principle with me, that it is never any benefit to give out and out, to man or woman, money, food, clothing, or anything else. If they are able-bodied and can work and earn what they need, when there is anything on earth for them to do. This is my principle and I try to act upon it. To pursue a contrary course would ruin any community in the world and make them idlers.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Doctrine and Covenants, 1850
Self‑reliance is vital; providing aid to those able to work undermines community strength.
In simple terms: Help only those who cannot work.
Key Takeaway
Promote independence.
Themes
self‑reliance
community
charity
Mood
thoughtful
serious
Type
ethical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- volunteering
- job training programs
- micro‑finance initiatives
Key Concepts
Economic responsibility
social welfare
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we support the truly needy without discouraging effort?
- What balance exists between aid and empowerment?
A Different Perspective
Over‑emphasis on self‑reliance can ignore systemic barriers.
![“The perfect woman, you see [is] a working-woman; not an idler; not a fine lady; but one who [uses] her hands and her head and her heart for the good of others.” quote by Thomas Hardy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/c0e/thomas-hardy-410_fine_the-perfect-woman-you-see-is-a-working-w_68254.jpg)
