Adam Smith Quote - Liberty Quotes Blog

"Beneficence is always free, it cannot be extorted by force."

by:	Adam Smith (1723-1790) Scottish philosopher and economist
Date:	1759
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Categories:	Force, Goodness, Extortion
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Reader comments about this quote:

When it's extorted, it ceases to be beneficence. -- jim k, Austin, Tx
jim, exactly ! also, when beneficence is legislated, the body issuing the canons has given silent notice that it is a statist theocracy. In a de jure representative republic at law, beneficence can only be extorted by force from a criminal non-associated third party. -- Mike, Norwalk
Brilliant words, a single drop of knowledge can accomplish more than a tidal wave of force. -- Anonymous
Exactly. This is why a free country requires citizens with strong mores -- because morality, integrity, honor, and compassion can NOT be legislated. And all are required in a nation of liberty, peace and justice for all. This individual responsibility cannot be transferred to government -- either it is with us, in each of us, or we are lost and soon to be bound. It is a natural law. -- E Archer, NYC
Ah, but our present society doesn't trust in beneficence or charity. They would much rather confiscate our income and as Obama would say, "...spread it around to everyone." This forced beneficence has destroyed any incentive for the recipients to ever go to work. -- GunnyCee, Durham