To cherish and stimulate the activity of the human mind…
“To cherish and stimulate the activity of the human mind, by multiplying the objects of enterprise, is not among the least considerable of the expedients, by which the wealth of a nation may be promoted. Even things in themselves not positively advantageous, sometimes become so, by their tendency to provoke exertion. Every new scene, which is opened to the busy nature of man to rouse and exert itself, is the addition of a new energy to the general stock of effort.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Promoting enterprise stimulates the mind and national wealth; even seemingly useless activities can become valuable when they provoke effort and innovation.
In simple terms: Work and effort boost a nation's wealth.
Key Takeaway
Encourage productive effort.
Themes
economics
innovation
productivity
national development
Mood
inspirational
pragmatic
Type
philosophical
motivational
When to use this quote
- business growth
- public policy
- personal ambition
- education
Key Concepts
political economy
philosophy
motivation
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we identify which activities merit investment?
- What role does curiosity play in economic progress?
A Different Perspective
Not all effort leads to beneficial outcomes.