Business Quote by William Graham Sumner
“The State, it cannot be too often repeated, does nothing and can give nothing which it does not take from somebody. The Forgotten Man works and votes -generally he prays-but his chief business in life is to pay.”
About This Quote
Source Book: What Social Classes Owe to Each Other, William Graham Sumner, 1883
The state cannot create wealth; it only redistributes what it extracts from individuals, leaving the common person to work and pay taxes.
In simple terms: The state takes, it does not give.
Key Takeaway
Recognize limits of government provision.
Themes
politics
economics
taxation
Mood
critical
reflective
Type
analytical
political
When to use this quote
- voting
- tax policy
- public services
- civic engagement
Key Concepts
social contract
redistribution
public finance
Questions to Reflect On
- What responsibilities should the state fulfill?
- How can citizens balance taxes with benefits?
A Different Perspective
Assumes all state actions are extractive, ignoring public goods provision.
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