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About this quote

What does it mean?
Anyone who lives off the work of others without contributing is dishonest, regardless of their status.
In plain terms
People who do not work but take from others are dishonest no matter their title.
What can you take from it?
True worth comes from contribution, not status.

Where it applies

  • critiquing wealth
  • discussing rights
  • labor debates

Putting it to work

  • valuing labor
  • critiquing privilege

Questions to consider

  • What defines honest work?
  • Is wealth theft?

Another view

Leadership roles often involve non-labor contributions.

More from Robert G. Ingersoll

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