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About this quote

What does it mean?
A society cannot be truly successful if the majority of its members live in poverty and misery.
In plain terms
Society thrives only when most people are not poor and miserable.
What can you take from it?
Prosperity for the many is essential for a flourishing society.

Where it applies

  • policy making
  • social critique
  • economic planning

Putting it to work

  • reducing poverty
  • promoting equity
  • social reform

Questions to consider

  • What defines a flourishing society?
  • Who benefits from economic growth?

Another view

It overlooks potential trade-offs between growth and distribution.

More from Adam Smith

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  3. Consumption is the sole end and purpose of all production; and the interest of the producer ought to be attended to, only so far as it may be necessary for pro…

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