Bread Quote by Pope John Paul II
“The obligation to earn one's bread by the sweat of one's brow also presumes the right to do so. A society in which this right is systematically denied, in which economic policies do not allow workers to reach satisfactory levels of employment, cannot be justified from an ethical point of view, nor can that society attain social peace.”
About This Quote
Source Encyclical: Centesimus Annus, 1991
Economic justice requires both the right to work and the right to earn a living; denying either undermines moral legitimacy and social peace.
In simple terms: Work and fair wages are essential for justice.
Support policies that ensure employment and fair pay.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- government legislation
- union negotiations
- business practices
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies protect workers without stifling growth?
- What role should government play in guaranteeing employment?
Balancing market freedom with protections can be politically contentious.