"What has destroyed every previous civilization has been the tendency to the unequal distribution of wealth and power."
"When we consider that labor is the producer of all wealth, is it not evident that the impoverishment and, dependence of labor are abnormal conditions resulting from restrictions and usurpations, and that instead of accepting protection, what labor should demand is freedom. That those who advocate any extension of freedom choose to go no further than suits their own special purpose is no reason why freedom itself should be distrusted."
5 likes
Source: Henry George (2006). “Protection Or Free Trade”, p.22, Cosimo, Inc.
About the author
Same author
More quotes by Henry George
"What protectionism teaches us, is to do to ourselves in time of peace what enemies seek to do to us in time of war."
"The equal right of all men to the use of land is as clear as their equal right to breathe the air it is a right proclaimed by the fact of their existence. For we cannot suppose that some men have a right to be in this world, and others no right."
"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."
"There are only three ways by which any individual can get wealth — by work, by gift or by theft. And, clearly, the reason why the workers get so little is that the beggars and thieves get so much."
"There is danger in reckless change, but greater danger in blind conservatism."