Attitude Quote by Robert Higgs
“Recipients of transfers set a bad example for others, including their children, other relatives, and friends, who see that one can receive goods, services, or money from the government without earning them. The onlookers easily adopt an attitude that they, too, are entitled to such transfers. They have fewer examples of hardworking, self-reliant people in their families or neighborhoods.”
About This Quote
The quote argues that government assistance can create a culture of entitlement, diminishing the visibility of self‑reliance and hard work within families and communities.
In simple terms: Transfers may foster entitlement and erode work ethic.
Key Takeaway
Aid can reshape social norms toward dependency.
Themes
social influence
government policy
entitlement
work ethic
intergenerational effects
Mood
critical
cautious
reflective
Type
policy critique
social observation
When to use this quote
- policy debates on welfare
- community development meetings
- family financial planning
- education on civic responsibility
Key Concepts
social modeling
behavioral economics
public perception
Practical Applications
- designing incentive‑compatible welfare programs
- public awareness campaigns about self‑reliance
Questions to Reflect On
- How might visible role models counteract entitlement effects?
- What policies can balance assistance with promoting self‑reliance?
