Abolish Quote by Ezra Heywood
“The free-trade idea, logically applied, will abolish usury; and with usury will disappear the chief bone of contention between labor and capital. But, just at this point, free-traders go over to the enemy; and many writers on political economy, in flat contradiction of the essential principles of that science, have made elaborate arguments to prove self-government in finance, impossible! What shall we think of men who, having dethroned kings, demolished popes, destroyed slave oligarchies and assailed tariff monopoly, advise submission to the most oppressive and dishonest of despotisms, Usury?”
About This Quote
Source Essay: On Free Trade and Usury, 1850s
Free trade, if truly applied, would eliminate usury and resolve labor‑capital conflict, yet many betray these principles, supporting oppressive financial systems
In simple terms: Free trade could end usury and labor disputes, but is undermined by self‑interest
Key Takeaway
Advocate genuine free trade to dismantle usury
Themes
economics
justice
politics
freedom
usury
labor
capital
trade
corruption
Mood
analytical
critical
historical
Type
economic
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- policy reform
- financial regulation
- labor negotiations
- education campaigns
Key Concepts
market theory
ethical finance
political economy
Questions to Reflect On
- How can free trade be enforced fairly?
- What safeguards prevent financial oppression?
A Different Perspective
Free trade may ignore power imbalances and exploitation in practice
