“It has so happened in all ages of the world that some have labored, and others have, without labor, enjoyed a large proportion of the fruits.”
- February 12, 1809 – April 15, 1865
- American
- Politician, lawyer
- As the 16th President of the United States, he issued the Emancipation Proclamation and led the Civil War to maintain the unity of the nation.
Quote
“It has so happened in all ages of the world that some have labored, and others have, without labor, enjoyed a large proportion of the fruits.”
Explanation
This quote touches on the inequities inherent in the structure of society, where a portion of the population contributes labor, while others benefit disproportionately from that labor. Lincoln was acutely aware of the economic disparities in his time, particularly between the laboring classes and the wealthy elite. The statement reflects his broader concerns about fairness, particularly in the context of slavery and the oppression of the working class. It is an early reflection of the moral dilemma surrounding wealth and labor—a theme central to Lincoln’s presidency, which was heavily shaped by the economic systems of the antebellum South.
Historically, this quote is significant because it mirrors the growing social tensions during the Industrial Revolution and in the decades leading up to the Civil War, when the exploitation of labor was widespread. This period saw a dramatic increase in inequality, with the wealthy accumulating vast fortunes from industries that relied heavily on the labor of enslaved people and immigrant workers. Lincoln’s own political career was influenced by these issues, particularly in his stance against the extension of slavery to new territories, which was rooted in his belief that free labor should not be overshadowed by forced labor.
In the modern context, the quote still resonates in discussions about economic inequality and class struggle. From debates over minimum wage laws to the wealth gap between CEOs and workers in contemporary industries, Lincoln’s observation remains a sharp critique of systems that allow a few to prosper at the expense of many. It also challenges us to reflect on whether modern capitalism has achieved a fair distribution of labor and its rewards, just as it did in Lincoln’s time.
