Be a man Quote by William Graham Sumner
“The State cannot get a cent for any man without taking it from some other man, and this latter must be a man who has produced and saved it. This latter is the Forgotten Man”
About This Quote
Source Essay: "The Forgotten Man" by William Graham Sumner, 1883
The quote argues that wealth redistribution takes money from producers and savers, labeling them the “Forgotten Man.”
In simple terms: Taking from producers harms those who create wealth.
Key Takeaway
Protect productive individuals.
Themes
economics
politics
justice
Mood
critical
analytical
Type
political
economic.
When to use this quote
- tax policy
- public budgeting
- social welfare programs
- charitable giving
Key Concepts
redistribution
property rights
social contract
Questions to Reflect On
- Who truly benefits from redistribution?
- Can the “Forgotten Man” be redefined?
A Different Perspective
It assumes all wealth is equally productive, ignoring systemic inequality.
![“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)
