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Consumed Quote by John Smith

“You must obey this now for a law, that he that will not work shall not eat (except by sickness he be disabled). For the labors of thirty or forty honest and industrious men shall not be consumed to maintain a hundred and fifty idle loiterers.” quote by John Smith
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“You must obey this now for a law, that he that will not work shall not eat (except by sickness he be disabled). For the labors of thirty or forty honest and industrious men shall not be consumed to maintain a hundred and fifty idle loiterers.”

John Smith

About This Quote

The passage warns that those who do not work will not be fed, except through illness, and that laborers should not support idle people.

In simple terms: Work is required for sustenance; idle people shouldn't rely on others.

Key Takeaway

Value productive labor and avoid supporting idleness.

Themes

work ethic fairness social responsibility

Mood

critical thought‑provoking

Type

ethical political

When to use this quote

  • employment
  • social welfare
  • community support
  • policy making

Key Concepts

economic justice labor value

Questions to Reflect On

  • Is it fair to punish the idle?
  • How can societies balance work and support?
A Different Perspective

It assumes a simplistic view of complex socioeconomic systems.

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