The opening of a foreign trade, by making them acquainted…
“The opening of a foreign trade, by making them acquainted with new objects, or tempting them by the easier acquisition of things which they had not previously thought attainable, sometimes works a sort of industrial revolution in a country whose resources were previously undeveloped for want of energy and ambition in the people: inducing those who were satisfied with scanty comforts and little work, to work harder for the gratification of their new tastes, and even to save, and accumulate capital, for the still more complete satisfaction of those tastes at a future time.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Introducing new goods sparks desire, prompting harder work, saving, and capital accumulation, driving industrial growth.
In simple terms: New goods inspire desire, work, and saving, fueling growth.
Key Takeaway
Leverage new opportunities to motivate economic progress.
Themes
economics
industrialization
motivation
Mood
analytical
optimistic
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- policy making
- business strategy
- personal finance
Key Concepts
development economics
behavioral economics
Questions to Reflect On
- What new desire could you channel into productive effort?
- How can societies balance consumption with long‑term sustainability?
A Different Perspective
Excessive focus on consumption can lead to unsustainable debt.