Devices Quote by William Graham Sumner
“There is no device whatever to be invented for securing happiness without industry, economy, and virtue.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Economics and Ethics, 1905
Happiness cannot be achieved without the foundations of industry, a stable economy, and moral virtue.
In simple terms: Happiness needs work, economy, and virtue.
Key Takeaway
Build productive, ethical societies.
Themes
economics
ethics
well‑being
Mood
thoughtful
serious
Type
philosophical
analytical
When to use this quote
- community development
- economic policy
- character education
Key Concepts
social capital
moral philosophy
Questions to Reflect On
- What role does personal virtue play in economic hardship?
- How can societies foster both prosperity and moral growth?
A Different Perspective
Economic downturns can undermine happiness despite virtue.
![“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)
![“The sense of tragedy - according to Aristotle - comes, ironically enough, not from the protagonist's weak points but from his good qualities. Do you know what I'm getting at? People are drawn deeper into tragedy not by their defects but by their virtues. ... [But] we accept irony through a device…” quote by Haruki Murakami](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/aa9/haruki-murakami-21_accepting_the-sense-of-tragedy-according-to-aristo_23796.jpg)
