Agriculture Quote by Thomas Jefferson
“All the capital employed in paper speculation is barren and useless, producing, like that on a gaming table, no accession to itself, and is withdrawn from commerce and agriculture where it would have produced addition to the common mass It nourishes in our citizens habits of vice and idleness instead of industry and morality It has furnished effectual means of corrupting such a portion of the legislature as turns the balance between the honest voters whichever way it is directed.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Notes on the State of Virginia, 1785
Speculative investment diverts resources from productive work, fostering vice and weakening society.
In simple terms: Speculation harms economy and morals.
Key Takeaway
Avoid idle speculation; invest in real production.
Themes
economics
morality
politics
Mood
critical
reflective
Type
analytical
political
When to use this quote
- business decisions
- policy making
- personal finance
- agricultural development
- legislative reform
Key Concepts
capital allocation
public good
corruption
Questions to Reflect On
- How does speculation affect societal values?
- What alternatives to speculation exist?
A Different Perspective
Speculation can sometimes fund innovation, creating benefits.
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