Thomas Sowell_No society ever thrived because..

 

 

No society ever thrived because it had a large and growing class of parasites living off those who produce.

 

 

The quote is attributed to Thomas Sowell, an American economist and social theorist known for his conservative views. It reflects his perspective on the detrimental effects of a large segment of the population relying on the productivity of others without contributing themselves. In other words, it suggests that societies do not prosper when there is a significant portion of the population that relies on the productivity of others without contributing themselves. In essence, it highlights the importance of productivity and contribution to society for its overall well-being.

 

In this context, “live off” means to depend on or derive sustenance from the efforts or resources of others without contributing in a meaningful way oneself. It implies a parasitic relationship where one group benefits at the expense of another’s productivity.