Economy Quote by William O. Douglas
“The right to work, I had assumed, was the most precious liberty that man possesses. Man has indeed as much right to work as he has to live, to be free, to own property.”
About This Quote
Source Court Opinion: United States v. United Mine Workers, 1942
Work is presented as a fundamental freedom essential to human dignity and liberty.
In simple terms: Work is a basic human right.
Key Takeaway
Protect workers’ rights as essential liberties.
Themes
labor rights
freedom
human dignity
Mood
analytical
serious
Type
legal
philosophical
When to use this quote
- union organizing
- minimum wage debates
- employment contracts
Key Concepts
constitutional law
economic rights
Questions to Reflect On
- Is work always a liberty or sometimes a burden?
- How should societies prioritize work versus other freedoms?
A Different Perspective
Balancing work rights with economic constraints can be complex.
