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A very poor man may be said in some sense to have a demand…

“A very poor man may be said in some sense to have a demand for a coach and six; he might like to have it; but his demand is not an effectual demand, as the commodity can never be brought to market in order to satisfy it.” quote by Adam Smith
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“A very poor man may be said in some sense to have a demand for a coach and six; he might like to have it; but his demand is not an effectual demand, as the commodity can never be brought to market in order to satisfy it.”

Adam Smith

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

A poor man's desire for a coach is unattainable because the service cannot be produced for him.

In simple terms: Unmet demand due to impossibility.

Key Takeaway

Recognize limits of supply.

Themes

economics poverty market theory

Mood

analytical critical

Type

economic philosophical

When to use this quote

  • policy making
  • charitable planning
  • business strategy

Key Concepts

utility resource scarcity

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can societies address needs that markets cannot meet?
  • What alternatives exist for unmet demands?
A Different Perspective

Ideal solutions may be impractical.

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