Progressive societies outgrow institutions as children outgrow clothes.
Henry GeorgeRead
He who by an exertion of mind or body, adds to the aggregate of enjoyable wealth, increases the sum of human knowledge, or gives to human life higher elevation or greater fullness - he is, in the larger meaning of the words, a " producer," a " working man," a " laborer," and is honestly earning honest wages.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the value of contributing positively to society through labor and knowledge.
In this quote, Henry George defines a 'producer' not just as someone who creates material wealth, but as anyone whose efforts enhance human knowledge, elevate lives, or increase happiness. By recognizing the importance of both mental and physical labor in enriching society, he advocates for a broader understanding of work and the dignity of all who contribute meaningfully to life.
Themes
WorkProducerWealthKnowledgeLaborContributionSuccess
In practice
Example use cases
A motivational speaker might use this quote to emphasize the importance of hard work at a conference.
More from Henry George
All quotes →The march of invention has clothed mankind with powers of which a century ago the boldest imagination could not have dreamt.
Henry GeorgeRead
It is not the business of government to make men virtuous or religious, or to preserve the fool from the consequences of his own folly. Government should be repressive no further than is necessary to secure liberty by protecting the equal rights of each from aggression on the part of others, and the moment governmental prohibitions extend beyond this line they are in danger of defeating the very ends they are intended to serve.
Henry GeorgeRead
Poorly paid labor is inefficient labor, the world over.
Henry GeorgeRead
The protection of the masses has in all times been the pretense of tyranny - the plea of monarchy, of aristocracy, of special privilege of every kind. The slave owners justified slavery as protecting the slaves.
Henry GeorgeRead
So long as all the increased wealth which modern progress brings goes but to build up great fortunes, to increase luxury and make sharper the contrast between the House of Have and the House of Want, progress is not real and cannot be permanent.
Henry GeorgeRead
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