In a regime of Free Trade and free economic intercourse it…
“In a regime of Free Trade and free economic intercourse it would be of little consequence that iron lay on one side of a political frontier, and labour, coal, and blast furnaces on the other. But as it is, men have devised ways to impoverish themselves and one another; and prefer collective animosities to individual happiness.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Trade barriers separate resources, yet humans create divisions that cause mutual poverty and conflict.
In simple terms: People create unnecessary divisions that harm everyone.
Key Takeaway
Avoid collective animosity; seek shared prosperity.
Themes
economics
politics
social division
trade
poverty
Mood
reflective
critical
analytical
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- policy making
- international negotiations
- community building
Key Concepts
free trade
resource allocation
collective action
individual welfare
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies prioritize collective well‑being over rivalry?
- What policies reduce self‑inflicted poverty?
A Different Perspective
Human nature often favors conflict over cooperation.