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Quote of the Day: How the Poor Become Richer

Susan Quinn
@SusanQuinn
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In my youth, I traveled much, and I observed in different countries, that the more public provisions were made for the poor, the less they provided for themselves, and of course became poorer. And, on the contrary, the less was done for them, the more they did for themselves, and became richer. -- Benjamin Franklin

Even back in the days of our Founders, it was self-evident that what we now call public welfare was a bad idea. He realized that when the poor became dependent on the dole, they became poorer. Their impoverishment showed up in several ways: they became lazy and lethargic, unmotivated to take on the effort of managing one’s life. They saw little advantage in supporting themselves, expecting instead to be taken care of. They developed a sense of entitlement and lost the drive to extend themselves to achieve self-sufficiency and to provide for their families. When state-provided funds ran out or were withdrawn, the recipients were enraged by the deprivation. Welfare does nothing to empower people, nor does it benefit society.

On the other hand, the poor can grow and benefit greatly if they are convinced that they can manage their own lives. When they realize that they may need to start at the bottom of the ladder, they accept a role that enables them to learn skills and contribute, if meagerly at first, to an organization and thus to society. They will likely see their efforts rewarded as they take on more responsibility and add something to the greater good. They may also develop and increase their own self-regard and their appreciation of hard work.

The tragedy of our times is the thievery that comes with notions of entitlement. People are taught, more than ever, that letting others take care of them is a good thing—and their self-reliance is essentially stolen. They see no reason to make the effort to be productive when others will take care of business. Humility is overtaken by an expectation that fruits should be enjoyed without the slightest contribution. And at some level, most of them will be unhappy, not realizing that the source of their misery is themselves. What else can come from choosing to live as a pathetic member of humanity?

Riches show up for the poor when a community makes every effort to encourage them to become industrious and self-reliant. Only in that way will all of us benefit, now and for the future.

This post was promoted to the Main Feed at the recommendation of Ricochet's members.

Discussion (20)

  • Stad@Stad
    Susan Quinn (View Post):

    On the other hand, those who are poor can benefit greatly and grow if they are convinced that they can manage their own lives. When they realize that they may need to start at the bottom of the ladder, they accept that role and can be incentivized to learn, grow and contribute to the organization and society. They will likely see their efforts rewarded as they learn, take on more responsibility and contribute to the greater good. They will develop and increase their own self-regard, their capabilities and their appreciation of hard work. And their efforts will likely be rewarded by those in charge, as they take on their share, help others, and mature.

    Preach it, sister!

    Nothing beats getting that first paycheck, then seeing that FICA deduction from your meager earnings and thinking, "What the . . ."

  • Gossamer Cat@GossamerCat

    On both my mother's side and my father's side, a parent was seriously injured or ill during the Great Depression. But both my mother and father told me the same thing: My parents were very proud that they didn't have to go on the dole. They didn't condemn those who needed it, some truly do. But they were very proud that they managed to get by without public assistance, even though it was hard. The older children quit school and went to work; they lived with relatives. They did what they had to do.

  • Susan Quinn@SusanQuinn
    ReplyingtoGossamer Cat

    Gossamer Cat (View Comment):

    On both my mother’s side and my father’s side, a parent was seriously injured or ill during the Great Depression. But both my mother and father told me the same thing: My parents were very proud that they didn’t have to go on the dole. They didn’t condemn those who needed it, some truly do. But they were very proud that they managed to get by without public assistance, even though it was hard. The older children quit school and went to work; they lived with relatives. They did what they had to do.

    A great testament to difficult times, GC! Thanks.

  • Bob Thompson@BobThompson
    ReplyingtoSusan Quinn

    Gossamer Cat (View Comment):

    On both my mother’s side and my father’s side, a parent was seriously injured or ill during the Great Depression. But both my mother and father told me the same thing: My parents were very proud that they didn’t have to go on the dole. They didn’t condemn those who needed it, some truly do. But they were very proud that they managed to get by without public assistance, even though it was hard. The older children quit school and went to work; they lived with relatives. They did what they had to do.

    Susan Quinn (View Comment):

    A great testament to difficult times, GC! Thanks.

    Yes. Now we live and rear children in prosperity, where many experience zero adversity to adulthood(I use that term advisedly) and then they become voters. Think about that. In the large metro areas, even when families are kept together, most of the influence on the children growing up comes from mothers or other female caregivers.

  • Susan Quinn@SusanQuinn
    ReplyingtoBob Thompson

    Gossamer Cat (View Comment):

    On both my mother’s side and my father’s side, a parent was seriously injured or ill during the Great Depression. But both my mother and father told me the same thing: My parents were very proud that they didn’t have to go on the dole. They didn’t condemn those who needed it, some truly do. But they were very proud that they managed to get by without public assistance, even though it was hard. The older children quit school and went to work; they lived with relatives. They did what they had to do.

    Susan Quinn (View Comment):

    A great testament to difficult times, GC! Thanks.

    Bob Thompson (View Comment):

    Yes. Now we live and rear children in prosperity, where many experience zero adversity to adulthood(I use that term advisedly) and then they become voters. Think about that. In the large metro areas, even when families are kept together, most of the influence on the children growing up comes from mothers or other female caregivers.

    Even worse, Bob, they come out of university and live in their parents' basements.

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