The forgotten man... He works, he votes, generally he prays, but his chief business in life is to pay.
William Graham SumnerRead
The Forgotten Man is delving away in patient industry, supporting his family, paying his taxes, casting his vote, supporting the church and the school, reading his newspaper, and cheering for the politician of his admiration, but he is the only one for whom there is no provision in the great scramble and the big divide. Such is the Forgotten Man. He works, he votes, generally he prays — but he always pays — yes, above all, he pays.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The 'Forgotten Man' represents the hardworking individual who contributes to society yet remains overlooked and underappreciated.
William Graham Sumner's quote highlights the plight of the 'Forgotten Man,' who faithfully fulfills his responsibilities such as working diligently, voting, and supporting community institutions like churches and schools. Despite his contributions, he often seems invisible in the eyes of policymakers and society, emphasizing the disconnect between those who toil for the common good and the recognition they receive, particularly in times of social and economic upheaval.
Themes
Forgotten ManSocietyContributionWorkResponsibilityEconomyPolitics
In practice
Example use cases
During a speech about economic policy, a politician might refer to the 'Forgotten Man' to emphasize the need to prioritize middle-class concerns.
More from William Graham Sumner
All quotes →It is the tendency of the social burdens to crush out the middle class, and to force society into an organization of only two classes, one at each social extreme.
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We shall find that every effort to realize equality necessitates a sacrifice of liberty.
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The men who start out with the notion that the world owes them a living generally find that the world pays its 'debt' in the penitentiary or the poor house.
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We throw all our attention on the utterly idle question whether A has done as well as B, when the only question is whether A has done as well as he could.
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Civil liberty is the status of the man who is guaranteed by law and civil institutions the exclusive employment of all his own powers for his own welfare.
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