Samuel Johnson: Recompense Labor

Posted by admin on Sunday, August 2, 2020

Samuel Johnson Money Quote saying it’s better to pay for work than to give money away for charity. Samuel Johnson said:
 

 

“You are much surer that you are doing good when you pay money to those who work, as the recompense of their labor, than when you give money merely in charity” — Samuel Johnson

 

 

In this quote, Samuel Johnson is contrasting paying others for their labor or work versus giving money as charity. He argues that providing monetary compensation to people “as the recompense of their labor” provides greater certainty that good is being done compared to simply giving money as charity or aid.

Johnson seems to believe paying wages for services rendered or products created treats the recipients with more dignity and empowerment by valuing their contributions, whereas charity can foster dependence and imply the recipients have done nothing to earn the money.

The quote suggests Johnson viewed fair compensation for work as a more ethical and effective way to help others financially than unconditional charity or handouts alone.

Birthday: September 18, 1709 – Death: December 13, 1784

Categories: work Tagged:charitylaborpayrecompensesamuel johnson