Appreciate Quote by William Graham Sumner
“If any student of social science comes to appreciate the case of the Forgotten Man, he will become an unflinching advocate of strict scientific thinking in sociology, and a hard-hearted skeptic as regards any scheme of social amelioration. He will always want to know, Who and where is the Forgotten Man in this case, who will have to pay for it all?”
About This Quote
Source Book: What Social Classes Owe to One Another by William Graham Sumner, 1915
The quote warns that sociologists must rigorously identify the overlooked individual affected by policies and remain skeptical of reformist schemes that ignore who bears the costs.
In simple terms: Identify who truly suffers from policies and question who pays.
Key Takeaway
Demand evidence before supporting reforms.
Themes
social science
skepticism
policy analysis
economics
ethics
Mood
critical
analytical
skeptical
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- policy design
- welfare programs
- tax reforms
- public debates
- academic research
Key Concepts
classical liberalism
cost‑benefit analysis
social responsibility
Questions to Reflect On
- Who benefits from the policy?
- How can we protect the vulnerable?
A Different Perspective
It may overlook systemic power dynamics that affect the so‑called “Forgotten Man.”
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![“The yearning after equality [in economic outcome] is the offspring of envy and covetousness, and there is no possible plan for satisfying that yearning which can do aught else than rob A to give to B; consequently all such plans nourish some of the meanest vices of human nature, waste capital, and…” quote by William Graham Sumner](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/9b4/william-graham-sumner-5011_can-do_the-yearning-after-equality-in-economic_454035.jpg)
