William Graham Sumner (1840–1910)

This book is actually a speech that was given in 1883. The concept of this speech is that the lawmakers ask for help for the poor and overlook the class of people that make life in the country possible, the forgotten man.

There were a few ideas and beliefs that the author talks about in which I don't agree with, but he makes very valid arguments for his ideas. I also did agree with some of what he mentions, however I don't know how feasable his ideas are, and if they would work in the society that we live in today.

One thing that surprised me is that even though this speech was written over 100 years ago it was still pertinent to today. I don't know if that is a sign of a great speech writer, to write something that holds true for over 100 years, or if it is a sign that our country really hasn't changed that much in 100 years.

It was a quick read, and if nothing else it makes you think about our social and political structure. It was a bit on the rough side to read, because it was pretty dry, but I think more of that was because it was written as a speech rather than a book or a story. I think it was interesting and was worth the hour or so it took me to read it.… (mere)

This essay was very short, but it says a lot. Back in 1916 when the author, Prof. William Graham Sumner, of Yale Political Science wrote this, it told about "The Forgotten Man", the person who falls into the cracks, whenever laws are made. "The Forgotten Man" is the one that obeys all the rules, works every day to support his family and complains very little. Laws were made to change the ways of unabiding citizens, while "The Forgotten Man" already obeys the rules and doesn't need a law to persuade him.
It also talks about working men and how they contribute to society, about unions, and about the people on welfare.
The essay was re-issued because what was said back in 1916, still holds true today. A must read.… (mere)