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When harvests are exuberant, joy and health follow in…

“When harvests are exuberant, joy and health follow in their train; but let delusive prosperity draw industry from agriculture; let an insiduous disease attack one of its important products; let an insect, or a parasite, fasten on a single esculent, and mark the effect upon commerce and human life…” quote by Elias Hasket Derby
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“When harvests are exuberant, joy and health follow in their train; but let delusive prosperity draw industry from agriculture; let an insiduous disease attack one of its important products; let an insect, or a parasite, fasten on a single esculent, and mark the effect upon commerce and human life. Upon such an event all business is deranged.”

Elias Hasket Derby

About This Quote

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

Overreliance on a single crop makes economies vulnerable to disease, pests, or market shifts.

In simple terms: Economic risk of monoculture.

Key Takeaway

Diversify to protect stability.

Themes

economy agriculture risk diversification vulnerability

Mood

analytical cautious

Type

economic agricultural warning

When to use this quote

  • farm planning
  • policy making
  • investment strategy
  • risk assessment

Key Concepts

monoculture supply chain food security market volatility

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can economies reduce dependence on one product?
  • What safeguards protect against agricultural failures?
A Different Perspective

Ignoring diversification can lead to catastrophic loss.

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