The quote from Alan Paton's "Cry, The Beloved Country" emphasizes the importance of valuing one's labor. It advocates for workers to demand fair compensation for their efforts and skills, rather than accepting lower wages just to sustain an industry that may not be viable. The underlying message is about self-worth and economic justice.

This perspective challenges the notion of sacrificing one's value for the sake of industry survival. It suggests that if a sector cannot afford to pay fair wages, it should not continue to exist. This reflects a broader critique of economic systems that exploit workers and a call for a more equitable approach to labor and industry practices.