“And for man to look upon himself as a capital good, even if it did not impair his freedom, may seem to debase him”

—  Theodore Schultz

Source: "Investment in human capital," 1961, p. 2; As cited in: David L. Levinson (2005) Community Colleges: A Reference Handbook, p. 156
Context: The mere thought of investment in human beings is offensive to some among us. Our values and beliefs inhibit us from looking upon human beings as capital goods, except in slavery, and this we abhor... To treat human beings as wealth that can be augmented by investment runs counter to deeply held values. It seems to reduce man once again to a mere material component, something akin to property. And for man to look upon himself as a capital good, even if it did not impair his freedom, may seem to debase him... (But) by investing in themselves, people can enlarge the range of choice available to them. It is one way free men can enhance their welfare.

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Theodore Schultz 15
American economist 1902–1998

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