1. William Graham Sumner Was a sociologist Firm believer in laissez-faire and Social Darwinism

2. Background He grew up in Hartford, Connecticut Is the son of a working class English immigrant After graduating from Yale, he became a minister Returned to Yale as a professor of political and social science He is known for his provocative ideas, rigorous intellectual standards and staunch moral conviction

3. Social Darwinism Sumner became one of the leading proponents of laissez-faire and social darwinism

4. Main Points A person that doesn’t contribute to society is a burden on society –“a man who is present as a consumer, yet who does not contribute either by land, labor, or capital to the work of society, is a burden” Every person has a responsibility to take care of themselves, to mind their own business –“every man and woman in society has one big duty. That is, to take care of his or her own self. This is a social duty.”.

5. Main Points Cont. The state can not make any money, they can only give money to one person by taking it away from another –“these conflicts are rooted in the supposed reality that one group wins on the expense of another group. The gains of some imply the losses of others. The path of achievement in society is trod over the well being of others.”

6. The social structure is based on contract “A society based on contract is a society of free and independent men, who form ties without favor or obligation, and co-operate without cringing or intrigue.”

7. And that of the Forgotton Man “He is not, technically, “poor” or “weak”; he minds his own business, and makes no complaint. Consequently the philanthropists never think of him, and trample on him…..”

8. Questions to Consider Does any class have the duty to fight the battles for any other class? Does the government have the right to tax one person just to give it to another?