Age Quote by Ludwig von Mises
“You have the courage to tell the masses what no politician told them: you are inferior and all the improvements in your conditions which you simply take for granted you owe to the effort of men who are better than you. If this be arrogance, as some of your critics observed, it is still the truth that had to said in the age of the Welfare State.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Human Action, 1949
Argues that societal improvements stem from the efforts of superior individuals, challenging welfare state narratives.
In simple terms: Progress comes from capable individuals.
Key Takeaway
Recognize contributions of high achievers.
Themes
meritocracy
social hierarchy
welfare critique
Mood
analytical
critical
Type
philosophical
economic theory
When to use this quote
- policy analysis
- historical study
- social debate
Key Concepts
economic theory
philosophical argument
Questions to Reflect On
- What defines “better” in society?
- How do welfare policies affect individual motivation?
A Different Perspective
May ignore systemic inequities and collective responsibility.
![“Better spare to have of thine own, then aske of other men. [Better spare to have of thine own than ask of other men.]” quote by George Herbert](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/e14/george-herbert-107_asks_better-spare-to-have-of-thine-own-then-a_446466.jpg)
