The forgotten man... He works, he votes, generally he prays, but his chief business in life is to pay.
William Graham SumnerRead
The type and formula of most schemes of philanthropy or humanitarianism is this: A and B put their heads together to decide what C shall be made to do for D. The radical vice of all these schemes, from a sociological point of view, is that C is not allowed a voice in the matter, and his position, character, and interests, as well as the ultimate effects on society through C's interests, are entirely overlooked. I call C the Forgotten Man.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote critiques philanthropic schemes that ignore the needs and desires of those they aim to help.
Sumner's quote highlights the critical flaw in many philanthropic and humanitarian efforts: they often overlook the perspectives and voices of those they seek to assist, referred to as 'C', or the 'Forgotten Man'. This neglect can distort the intentions of such schemes and fail to genuinely address the real needs and interests of the affected individuals, raising important questions about agency and representation in societal change.
Themes
PhilanthropyHumanitarianismForgotten ManAgencyRepresentation
In practice
Example use cases
Discussing the need for inclusive practices in social work at a community meeting.
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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 β but he always pays β yes, above all, he pays.
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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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