“**The concept of retirement didn’t exist until the late 19th century**. Before then, most people worked until the day they died. No golden years. No new hobbies. No long walks on the beach. “But in 1889 the Chancellor of [[Germany]], [[Otto von Bismarck]], changed that by designing the world’s first government-sponsored retirement program. At the time, those over age 70 became eligible to receive government income. “When asked why he created such a program [[Otto von Bismarck|Bismarck]] replied, “**those who are disabled from work by age and invalidity have a well-grounded claim to care from the state**.” --- **Tags** -- [[quotes]], [[retirement]], [[social-safety-nets]], [[resilience]], **Source** -- [[20250201125729 - B - Just Keep Buying]]