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There can be no rise in the value of labour without a fall…

“There can be no rise in the value of labour without a fall of profits.” quote by David Ricardo
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“There can be no rise in the value of labour without a fall of profits.”

David Ricardo

About This Quote

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

Labor's value rises only when profit margins shrink, highlighting a zero‑sum relationship between wages and profits.

In simple terms: Higher wages need lower profits.

Key Takeaway

Balance wages and profits.

Themes

economics labor profits distribution class capitalism

Mood

analytical critical

Type

theoretical economic

When to use this quote

  • policy making
  • business strategy
  • union negotiations
  • investment decisions
  • economic forecasting

Key Concepts

Classical economics value theory

Questions to Reflect On

  • Can wages rise without profit loss?
  • How do modern economies break this trade‑off?
A Different Perspective

Ignores productivity gains that can raise both wages and profits.

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