Family Quote by Bruce Watson
““A man must always live by his work, and his wages must at least be sufficient to maintain him. They must even upon most occasions be more; otherwise it would be impossible for him to bring up a family, and the race of such workmen could not last beyond the first generation. —Adam Smith, The Wealth of Nations1””
About This Quote
Work provides the material basis for personal sustenance and family support; insufficient wages threaten both individual well‑being and the continuity of labor across generations.
In simple terms: Work sustains individuals and families.
Key Takeaway
Adequate wages are essential for generational stability.
Themes
economic justice
labor economics
intergenerational equity
social stability
family welfare
Mood
pragmatic
concerned
analytical
Type
philosophical
economic
When to use this quote
- setting a living wage policy
- designing social safety nets
- evaluating labor market reforms
- assessing family income needs
Key Concepts
wage sufficiency
labor productivity
social contract
Practical Applications
- policy advocacy for minimum wage
- corporate compensation planning
Questions to Reflect On
- How do wage levels affect social mobility?
- What mechanisms can ensure wages keep pace with living costs?
