Justice Quote by Thomas More
““for what justice is there in this: that a nobleman, a goldsmith, a banker, or any other man, that either does nothing at all, or, at best, is employed in things that are of no use to the public, should live in great luxury and splendour upon what is so ill acquired, and a mean man, a carter, a smith, or a ploughman, that works harder even than the beasts themselves, and is employed in labours so necessary, that no commonwealth could hold out a year without them, can only earn so poor a livelihood and must lead so miserable a life, that the condition of the beasts is much better than theirs? ””
About This Quote
Source Play: Utopia by Thomas More, 1516
The quote criticizes social inequality where wealthy individuals profit from unproductive work while essential laborers live in poverty.
In simple terms: Wealthy idle vs. poor essential workers
Key Takeaway
Recognize and address economic injustice
Themes
inequality
justice
labor
economics
Mood
critical
reflective
Type
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- policy reform
- fair wages
- taxation
- social safety nets
Key Concepts
social contract
distribution of wealth
class disparity
Questions to Reflect On
- How does modern society value essential work?
- What policies could reduce such disparity?
A Different Perspective
It ignores historical context of 16th‑century England and may oversimplify complex economies.
![“This cold weather has set all the young Folks to providing Bedfellows. I have signed two or three Licences every Day [as a Fairfax Justice of the Peace] since I have been at Home. I wish I knew where to get a good one myself; for I find cold Sheets extreamly disagreeable.” quote by George Mason](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/b92/george-mason-8435_bedfellows_this-cold-weather-has-set-all-the-young_3953.jpg)
