Civilized Quote by John C. Calhoun
“It would be well for those interested to reflect whether there now exists, or ever has existed, a wealthy and civilized community in which one portion did not live on the labor of another; and whether the form in which slavery exists in the South is not but one modification of this universal condition... Let those who are interested remember that labor is the only source of wealth, and how small a portion of it, in all old and civilized countries, even the best governed, is left to those by whose labor wealth is created.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Congressional Address, United States, 1858
The quote argues that all societies rely on the labor of some to generate wealth, and that slavery is merely a specific form of this universal exploitation.
In simple terms: Wealth comes from labor; slavery is a particular exploitation of that principle.
Key Takeaway
Recognize labor’s central role in wealth creation.
Themes
economics
ethics
history
social justice
labor rights
Mood
critical
reflective
Type
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- policy debate
- educational curriculum
- social reform
- labor movements
Key Concepts
exploitation
property
class
capitalism
Questions to Reflect On
- How does modern capitalism reflect this universal condition?
- Can wealth be generated without labor exploitation?
A Different Perspective
The analysis may overlook societies where labor is more equitably shared.
![“That country [Carthage] was rapidly sinking into the state of barbarism from whence it had been raised by the Phoenician colonies and Roman laws; and every step of intestine discord was marked by some deplorable victory of savage man over civilized society.” quote by Edward Gibbon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/70c/edward-gibbon-710_barbarism_that-country-carthage-was-rapidly-sinkin_393.jpg)
