"The hope that poverty and ignorance may gradually be extinguished, derives indeed much support from the steady progress of the working classes during the nineteenth century"

This quote by Alfred Marshall speaks with the development of the working classes throughout the nineteenth century and the hope that this development will result in the ultimate extinction of poverty and lack of knowledge. Marshall is suggesting that the steady development of the working classes during the nineteenth century suggests hope that poverty and ignorance can be eliminated. He is suggesting that the development of the working classes signifies progress for society as an entire, and that this progress can cause a better future for all. This quote is a suggestion that development is possible, and that with effort and commitment, poverty and lack of knowledge can be removed. It is a call to action for everybody to continue to strive for a better future for all.