Skip to content

Circles Quote by Jean-Baptiste Say

“Wherefore it is impossible to succeed in comparing wealth of different eras or different nations. This, in political economy, like squaring the circle in mathematics, is impracticable, for want of a common mean or measure to go by.” quote by Jean-Baptiste Say
Download Open image
“Wherefore it is impossible to succeed in comparing wealth of different eras or different nations. This, in political economy, like squaring the circle in mathematics, is impracticable, for want of a common mean or measure to go by.”

Jean-Baptiste Say

About This Quote

Source Book: A Treatise on Political Economy, 1803

Comparing wealth across eras or nations lacks a common metric, making such comparisons impractical.

In simple terms: No universal measure for wealth comparison.

Key Takeaway

Recognize limits of cross‑era wealth analysis.

Themes

economics history measurement

Mood

critical inquisitive

Type

academic analytical

When to use this quote

  • policy analysis
  • historical research
  • international finance

Key Concepts

comparative economics methodology

Questions to Reflect On

  • What proxies can we use?
  • How does context affect wealth perception?
A Different Perspective

Alternative indices may still be imperfect.

2.5 out of 5 (10 ratings)

More by Jean-Baptiste Say

Explore all 73 Jean-Baptiste Say quotes

More Circles quotes

Browse all 1,860 Circles quotes