Doing for people what they can and ought to do for themselves is a dangerous experiment. In the last analysis the welfare of the workers depends upon their own initiative. Whatever is done under the guise of philanthropy or social morality which in any way lessens initiative is the greatest crime that can be committed against the toilers. Let social busy-bodies and professional public morals experts in their fads reflect upon the perils they rashly invite under this pretense of social welfare.

Summary

This quote points out the dangers of excessive intervention and reliance on others for personal welfare and progress. It emphasizes that the well-being of individuals is ultimately dependent on their ability to take initiative and be self-sufficient. The quote cautions against initiatives that undermine individual initiative and responsibility under the pretext of philanthropy or social morality, suggesting that such actions are detrimental to the workers and may actually hinder their progress. It criticizes social busybodies and moral experts who disregard these perils and impose their own ideas of social welfare, ignoring the negative consequences that could follow.