Basic principles Quote by Dan Smoot
“England was killed by an idea: the idea that the weak, indolent and profligate must be supported by the strong, industrious, and frugal – to the degree that tax-consumers will have a living standard comparable to that of taxpayers; the idea that government exists for the purpose of plundering those who work to give the product of their labor to those who do not work. The economic and social cannibalism produced by this communist-socialist idea will destroy any society which adopts it and clings to it as a basic principle – ANY society.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Anti-Communist Radio Address, 1960s
The quote warns that a system where the productive are forced to support the lazy leads to societal decay.
In simple terms: Supporting the lazy harms society.
Key Takeaway
Avoid policies that punish productivity.
Themes
economics
politics
social justice
Mood
cautious
critical
reflective
Type
political
philosophical
warning
When to use this quote
- tax policy debates
- welfare reform
- labor negotiations
- public discourse
Key Concepts
tributism
collectivism
wealth redistribution
Questions to Reflect On
- Is it possible to balance support for the vulnerable with incentives for work?
- How do we define “lazy” in modern economies?
A Different Perspective
It oversimplifies complex economic dynamics and ignores necessary social safety nets.
![“[It is a basic principle of a tyrant] to unarm his people of weapons, money and all means whereby they resist his power.” quote by Walter Raleigh](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/85b/walter-raleigh-4068_basic-principles_it-is-a-basic-principle-of-a-tyrant-to-u_111241.jpg)
