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This whole theory [of John Law and Jean Terrasson], as…

“This whole theory [of John Law and Jean Terrasson], as dear to French financial schemers in the eighteenth century as to American "Greenbackers" in the nineteenth, had resulted, under the Orleans Regency and Louis XV, in ruin to France financially and morally, had culminated in the utter…” quote by Andrew Dickson White
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“This whole theory [of John Law and Jean Terrasson], as dear to French financial schemers in the eighteenth century as to American "Greenbackers" in the nineteenth, had resulted, under the Orleans Regency and Louis XV, in ruin to France financially and morally, had culminated in the utter destruction of all prosperity, the rooting out of great numbers of the most important industries, and the grinding down of the working people even to starvation.”

Andrew Dickson White

About This Quote

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

The quote warns that speculative financial schemes caused widespread economic ruin and social suffering in France.

In simple terms: Speculative finance devastated France’s economy and people.

Key Takeaway

Beware of reckless financial speculation.

Themes

economics history politics social justice

Mood

cautionary somber

Type

historical analytical

When to use this quote

  • policy making
  • financial regulation
  • historical analysis
  • public education

Key Concepts

speculative bubbles financial crises morality of capitalism

Questions to Reflect On

  • What safeguards can prevent modern financial bubbles?
  • How did ordinary citizens survive such crises?
A Different Perspective

It overlooks positive reforms that also occurred in the same era.

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