Amount Quote by Rutherford B. Hayes
“No man, however benevolent, liberal, and wise, can use a large fortune so that it will do half as much good in the world as it would if it were divided into moderate sums and in the hands of workmen who had earned it by industry and frugality. The piling up of estates often does great and conspicuous good… But no man does with accumulated wealth so much good as the same amount would do in many hands.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: On Wealth Distribution, 1880
Large fortunes are less effective than many moderate sums given to industrious people.
In simple terms: Wealth works better shared.
Key Takeaway
Distribute wealth to many workers.
Themes
wealth
distribution
industry
fairness
economics
Mood
analytical
concerned
Type
argument
reflection
When to use this quote
- Charitable foundations
- co‑operative ownership
- progressive taxation
- community investment
Key Concepts
Social economics
philanthropy
labor theory
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we ensure wealth reaches those who earn it?
- What mechanisms best prevent wealth concentration?
A Different Perspective
Wealth can be used effectively by a single visionary.
![“Which is more worthwhile earning: a large fortune or the esteem and gratitude of the nation? This question is prompted anew by the death of ex-Secretary of the Interior [Franklin K.] Lane. He remained in public service, doing most noble work, until his means became absolutely exhausted, and he…” quote by B. C. Forbes](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/d33/b-c-forbes-2124_accounts_which-is-more-worthwhile-earning-a-large_2095381.jpg)
![“My father and mother in 1817 were forty-nine days on the road with their emigrant wagons [from Vermont] to Ohio. More than two days for each hour that I spent in the same journey.” quote by Rutherford B. Hayes](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/290/rutherford-b-hayes-3486_father_my-father-and-mother-in-1817-were-forty_289081.jpg)
