Single Idea 6703

[catalogued under 25. Social Practice / A. Freedoms / 7. Freedom to leave]

Full Idea

Can we seriously say, that a poor peasant or artisan has a free choice to leave his country, when he knows no foreign language or manners, and lives, from day to day, by the small wages that he acquires?

Gist of Idea

Poor people lack the knowledge or wealth to move to a different state

Source

David Hume (Of the original contract [1741], p.283)

Book Reference

Hume,David: 'Selected Essays' [OUP 1996], p.167


A Reaction

Of course, in the nineteenth century the Scottish poor did, going to America, which welcomed the poor, and spoke English. Hume's point is the right reply to anyone who says 'If you don't like it, go elsewhere'. Also 'No! Change it!'