Commerce Quote by George Washington
“Harmony, liberal intercourse with all Nations, are recommended by policy, humanity and interest. But even our Commercial policy should hold an equal and impartial hand: neither seeking nor granting exclusive favours or preferences; consulting the natural course of things; diffusing and diversifying by gentle means the streams of Commerce, but forcing nothing; establishing with Powers so disposed; in order to give trade a stable course.”
About This Quote
Source Letter: Trade Policy Recommendations, 1791
Fair, impartial trade policies benefit humanity and national interest, avoiding favoritism and coercion.
In simple terms: Fair trade benefits all parties.
Key Takeaway
Promote equal, non‑exclusive trade practices.
Themes
economics
fairness
policy
humanity
Mood
analytical
conciliatory
strategic
Type
political
economic
When to use this quote
- government negotiations
- international commerce
- policy drafting
Key Concepts
political science
economics
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you ensure trade remains impartial?
- What safeguards prevent favoritism?
A Different Perspective
Balancing national interests with fairness can be politically challenging.
![“Rather than comparing [war] to art we could more accurately compare it to commerce, which is also a conflict of human interests and activities; and it is still closer to politics, which in turn may be considered as a kind of commerce on a larger scale.” quote by Carl von Clausewitz](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/c35/carl-von-clausewitz-2060_activity_rather-than-comparing-war-to-art-we-coul_21236.jpg)
