A Living Wage (Classic Reprint)

This book delves into the ethical, economic, and legal aspects of a living wage. The author argues for a minimum wage, placing this call for social justice in the context of the rights of the individual as they relate to the common good. The book contends that the right to a decent livelihood is as fundamental as the right to life itself, and explores how this right is both rooted in nature and impacted by societal structures, such as the right to private property. The author examines the historical context of labor and wages, drawing on the works of influential thinkers and theologians, including St. Thomas Aquinas, to support the notion that a living wage is not merely a matter of charity, but a matter of justice. The book challenges the notion of rights solely as a product of society, instead emphasizing the intrinsic worth of each individual, and advocating for a moral framework that ensures the basic needs of all people are met. This book offers a compelling and nuanced exploration of a fundamental social issue, presenting a powerful argument for the inherent dignity of every individual and the moral imperative of a just wage. Read more