PLEASURE and pain are undoubtedly the ultimate objects of the calculus of economics. To satisfy our wants to the utmost with the least effort - to procure the greatest amount of what is desirable at the expense of the least… — William Stanley Jevons Copy Share Image
The theory which follows is entirely based on a calculus of pleasure and pain; and the object of economics is to maximize happiness by purchasing pleasure, as it were, at the lowest cost of pain. — William Stanley Jevons Copy Share Image
All classes of society are trade unionists at heart, and differ chiefly in the boldness, ability, and secrecy with which they pursue their respective… — William Stanley Jevons Copy Share Image
What capital I give for the spade merely replaces what the manufacturer had already invested in the expectation that the spade would be needed. — William Stanley Jevons Copy Share Image
“The more refined and intellectual our needs become, the less they are capable of satiety.” — William Stanley Jevons Copy Share Image
The wind, as a direct motive power, is wholly inapplicable to a system of machine labour, for during a calm season the whole business of the country would be thrown out of gear. Before the era of steam-engines, windmills were tried for draining mines; but though they were powerful machines, they were very irregular, so that in a long tract… — William Stanley Jevons Copy Share
Economists can never be free of from difficulties unless they will distinguish between a theory and the application of a theory. — William Stanley Jevons Copy Share Image
It isrequisite from time to time to remind one generation of the experience which led a former generation to important legislative actions. — William Stanley Jevons Copy Share Image
Ina regular and constant employment the greatest result will always be gained by such a rate as allows a workman each day,or each week… — William Stanley Jevons Copy Share Image
By a commodity we shall understand any object, substance, action or service, which can afford pleasure or ward off pain. — William Stanley Jevons Copy Share Image
A little experience is worth much argument; a few facts are better than any theory. — William Stanley Jevons Copy Share Image
As there are so many who talk prose without knowing it, or, again, who syllogize without having the least idea what a syllogism is,… — William Stanley Jevons Copy Share Image
In any case I hold that there must arise a science of the development of economic forms and relations. — William Stanley Jevons Copy Share Image
The point of equilibrium will be known by the criterion that an infinitely small amount of commodity exchanged in addition, at the same rate,… — William Stanley Jevons Copy Share Image
