Lincoln’s economic philosophy rested on what he called “free labor” or the belief that all honest work deserves dignity, opportunity and reward. He viewed invention and labor not as opposing forces but as partners in progress.

To secure a free and prosperous future, a people must first reclaim its capacity to produce. It must cultivate its orchard before it can enjoy its fruit.

Robert Kuttner is co-founder and co-editor of The American Prospect and professor at Brandeis University’s Heller School. He is an author...