Circles Quote by William Graham Sumner
“Who is the Forgotten Man? He is the clean, quiet, virtuous, domestic citizen, who pays his debts and his taxes and is never heard of out of his little circle.”
About This Quote
Source Sociological treatise: What is the Forgotten Man?, 1883
The “Forgotten Man” represents ordinary, law‑abiding citizens who fulfill civic duties yet remain unnoticed by society.
In simple terms: Ordinary citizens are overlooked despite their contributions.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and honor everyday contributors.
Themes
civic duty
invisibility
virtue
Mood
analytical
concerned
Type
sociological
critical
When to use this quote
- public policy
- taxation
- social welfare
Key Concepts
Social neglect
economic policy
Questions to Reflect On
- Who are the modern “forgotten” citizens?
- How can society acknowledge them?
A Different Perspective
Focusing on the “forgotten” may ignore systemic inequities.
![“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)
![“Tell them you came, and saw, and looked into my eyes and saw the shadow of the guard receding. Thoughts in time and out of season, the hitchinker stood by the side of the road and levelled his thumb in the calm calculus of reason. [...] Why does my mind circle around you? Why do planets wonder…” quote by Jim Morrison](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/9ae/jim-morrison-1692_bird_tell-them-you-came-and-saw-and-looked-in_18280.jpg)