Evidence Quote by John C. Calhoun
“I am in favor of high wages and agree that the higher the wages, the stronger the evidence of prosperity, provided (and that is the important point) they are so naturally, by the effectiveness of industry, and not in consequence of an inflated currency or any artificial regulation.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Congressional address, 1850s
Higher wages signal a thriving economy when they stem from productive industry rather than inflation or regulation.
In simple terms: Good wages show real prosperity if they come from efficient industry.
Focus on industry productivity over price controls.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- business strategy
- government policy
- labor negotiations
- economic forecasting
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we distinguish wage growth from inflation?
- What policies ensure wages reflect productivity?
If wages rise due to inflation, they may mask underlying weakness.