The Forgotten Man, and Other Essays
Written by William Graham Sumner
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Reading guide
Themes, characters and key ideas in The Forgotten Man, and Other Essays, written by Chaptra AI.
- about 8 hours
- advanced
- analytical
- didactic
- provocative
William Graham Sumner's "The Forgotten Man, and Other Essays" is a seminal collection of early 20th-century political economy, presenting a staunch defense of classical liberalism. Through incisive arguments, Sumner critiques protectionism and state intervention, championing free trade, individual liberty, and sound money principles. He illuminates the often-unseen economic and moral burdens placed upon the "forgotten man"—the industrious citizen who pays for others' benefits and government schemes. The essays collectively argue for a society built on self-reliance and minimal government interference, aiming to make complex economic concepts accessible for broader public understanding and to address contemporary economic misunderstandings.
“The Forgotten Man... is the man who is never thought of. He is the man who pays.”
Key themes
- Free Trade vs. Protectionism
- Sumner meticulously dissects the economic and moral fallacies of protectionist policies, arguing that tariffs and trade barriers do not protect domestic industries but rather redistribute wealth from consumers and efficient producers to favored, often inefficient, industries. He posits free trade as the natural and most beneficial system, promoting efficiency, innovation, and international cooperation, while protectionism fosters economic nationalism and conflict. He views protectionism as a form of state intervention that inevitably leads to privilege and corruption.
- The 'Forgotten Man'
- This pivotal concept identifies the often-overlooked, productive, and tax-paying citizen who bears the financial and moral burden of government policies designed to benefit others. The "Forgotten Man" is typically the middle-class individual who works diligently, saves, and lives responsibly, yet is compelled through taxation to support various social schemes, subsidies, and special interests, often without recognition or direct benefit. Sumner uses this figure to highlight the hidden costs and ethical dilemmas of state intervention, arguing that the true cost of government programs is borne by this silent, industrious segment of society.
- Individual Liberty and Responsibility
- Central to Sumner's philosophy is the belief in the individual's right to liberty and the corresponding duty of self-reliance. He argues that individuals should be free to pursue their economic interests without undue government interference and are primarily responsible for their own well-being. This theme critiques the idea that society or the state owes individuals a living, instead promoting a robust ethic of personal effort, thrift, and accountability as the foundation for both individual and societal prosperity.
Worth discussing
How does Sumner define the 'Forgotten Man,' and is this concept still relevant in contemporary society?
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