Let those who are anxious to improve the health of the poor, through the indirect machinery of law, bring their zeal to bear directly upon the work to be done. Let them appeal to men’s sympathies, and again to their interests. Let them prove to people of property that the making of these reforms will pay. Let them show that the productive powers of the labourer will be increased by bettering his health, whilst the poors’-rates will be diminished. Above all, let them demand the removal of those obstacles which existing legislation puts in the way of sanitary improvements. Their efforts thus directed will really promote progress. Whereas their efforts as now directed are either needless or injurious.
Herbert Spencer, “Sanitary Supervision,” Social Statics (1851); as quoted in Phillip W. Magness, “Herbert Spencer’s Critique of the Board of Health in 1851” (December 7, 2020).
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Herbert Spencer
