There seem to be but three ways for a nation to acquire…
“There seem to be but three ways for a nation to acquire wealth. The first is by war, as the Romans did, in plundering their conquered neighbors. This is robbery. The second by commerce, which is generally cheating. The third by agriculture, the only honest way, wherein man receives a real increase of the seed thrown into the ground, in a kind of continual miracle, wrought by the hand of God in his favor, as a reward for his innocent life and his virtuous industry.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Wealth can be gained through war, trade, or farming; only farming yields honest, sustainable growth.
In simple terms: War, trade, and farming are ways to wealth; farming is honest.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate honest work for lasting prosperity.
Themes
wealth
honesty
agriculture
economics
morality
Mood
reflective
serious
Type
ethical
philosophical
economic
When to use this quote
- national policy
- personal finance
- community development
- environmental planning
Key Concepts
sustainable development
ethical labor
resource stewardship
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies prioritize honest agriculture?
- What policies support sustainable farming?
A Different Perspective
War and trade often involve exploitation and instability.