Average Quote by Franklin D. Roosevelt
“The first theory is that if we make the rich richer, somehow they will let a part of their prosperity trickle down to the rest of us. The second theory was the theory that if we make the average of mankind comfortable and secure, their prosperity will rise upward through the ranks.”
About This Quote
Two economic ideas: trickle‑down wealth versus uplifting the average citizen to raise overall prosperity.
In simple terms: Different paths to economic growth.
Key Takeaway
Consider policies that benefit all levels.
Themes
economics
inequality
policy
Mood
analytical
thoughtful
Type
economic
philosophical
When to use this quote
- policy debates
- budget planning
- social welfare programs
Key Concepts
trickle‑down theory
middle‑class uplift
wealth distribution
Questions to Reflect On
- Which approach best reduces poverty?
- How to balance growth with equity?
A Different Perspective
Each theory has contested outcomes.
![“This is a guy [Steven Lerner] who believes, for example, that Reaganomics or trickle-down economics means, "The rich got rich by stealing from the poor," or stealing from the middle class and making them poor via debt. He has worked with unions in Europe.” quote by Rush Limbaugh](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/644/rush-limbaugh-28_believe_this-is-a-guy-steven-lerner-who-believes_464321.jpg)
![“I call it [Donald's Trump plan] trumped-up trickle-down, because that's exactly what it would be. That is not how we grow the economy.” quote by Hillary Clinton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/1fa/hillary-clinton-51_economy_i-call-it-donald-s-trump-plan-trumped-up_353192.jpg)
![“[Donald] Trump and all the Republicans believe in the theory of trickle down economics which is a theory discredited even by the author himself David Stockton. The theory suggests that if we take care of the people at the top, if we cut taxes for the wealthy, if we make sure they are doing really…” quote by Debbie Wasserman Schultz](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/53e/debbie-wasserman-schultz-11199_believe_donald-trump-and-all-the-republicans-bel_200051.jpg)
![“Fares are higher [and] people don't travel as much. If they don't do that, it doesn't have the trickle down effect into the economy and the other sectors.” quote by David Neeleman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/2d0/david-neeleman-13396_economy_fares-are-higher-and-people-don-t-travel_165905.jpg)
