Desirable Quote by Benjamin Franklin
“Wherever desirable superfluities are imported, industry is excited, and thereby plenty is produced. Were only necessaries permitted to be purchased, men would work no more than was necessary for that purpose.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Observations on the Trade of Goods, 1730
Excessive desire for non‑essential goods drives industrial overproduction; limiting purchases to necessities would reduce work to only what is needed.
In simple terms: Wanting luxuries fuels production; buying only basics limits work.
Key Takeaway
Simplify needs to curb overwork.
Themes
consumerism
industry
necessity
work
economics
Mood
critical
reflective
Type
philosophical
economic
social commentary
When to use this quote
- budgeting
- minimalist living
- policy regulation
- corporate responsibility
- personal finance
Key Concepts
materialism
production cycles
labor theory of value
Questions to Reflect On
- What essential needs could you cut back on?
- How would limiting luxury goods affect the economy?
A Different Perspective
People may resist reduced consumption due to comfort or status.
