Business Quote by Franklin D. Roosevelt
“In my Inaugural I laid down the simple proposition that nobody is going to starve in this country. It seems to me to be equally plain that no business which depends for existence on paying less than living wages to its workers has any right to continue in this country. By 'business' I mean the whole of commerce as well as the whole of industry; by workers I mean all workers, the white collar class as well as the men in overalls; and by living wages I mean more than a bare subsistence level-I mean the wages of decent living.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Inaugural Address, United States, 1933
Roosevelt argues that a nation cannot sustain businesses that pay wages below a decent living standard, as it violates basic human rights and economic fairness.
In simple terms: Businesses must pay workers a decent living wage.
Key Takeaway
Ensure wages meet basic living standards.
Themes
economics
social justice
labor rights
government policy
human dignity
Mood
determined
urgent
optimistic
Type
political
ethical
economic
When to use this quote
- policy formulation
- union negotiations
- small business planning
- government legislation
- public advocacy
Key Concepts
living wage
economic equity
social contract
fair labor standards
Questions to Reflect On
- How can businesses balance fair wages with profitability?
- What policies can support both workers and employers?
A Different Perspective
Opponents may claim higher wages increase costs and reduce competitiveness.
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![“If the State does not acquire supremacy over [vast private] enterprises, it becomes their puppet, and they become the real State.” quote by Bertrand Russell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/bad/bertrand-russell-69_acquire_if-the-state-does-not-acquire-supremacy_1379.jpg)
