Economy Quote by David Ricardo
“Labour, like all other things which are purchased and sold... has its natural and its market price.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Principles of Political Economy and Taxation, 1817
Labor’s value is determined by its natural cost and market conditions, not just supply and demand.
In simple terms: Labor price reflects both inherent worth and market forces.
Key Takeaway
Consider both intrinsic and market factors when valuing work.
Themes
economics
labor
value
market
pricing
Mood
analytical
critical
Type
theoretical
educational
When to use this quote
- wage negotiations
- policy making
- business planning
- education
- careers
Key Concepts
classical economics
labor theory of value
Questions to Reflect On
- How do market forces affect fair wages?
- What safeguards protect workers’ natural value?
A Different Perspective
Market fluctuations can distort true labor value, leading to exploitation.
![“And, inasmuch [as] most good things are produced by labour, it follows that all such things of right belong to those whose labour has produced them. But it has so happened in all ages of the world, that some have laboured, and others have, without labour, enjoyed a large proportion of the fruits…” quote by Abraham Lincoln](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/d72/abraham-lincoln-88_age_and-inasmuch-as-most-good-things-are-pro_200902.jpg)
