Articles Quote by William Stanley Jevons
“Labour once spent has no influence on the future value of any article; it isgone and lost for ever. In commerce bygones are forever bygones; and we are alwaysstarting clearat each moment, judging the values of things with a view to future utility.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Theory of Political Economy, William Stanley Jevons, 1871
Past labor costs cannot affect future value; decisions must be based on future utility.
In simple terms: Past work is gone, focus on future value.
Key Takeaway
Prioritize future utility over past costs.
Themes
economics
valuation
decisionmaking
Mood
analytical
pragmatic
Type
economic
philosophical
When to use this quote
- investment analysis
- pricing strategy
- budget planning
Key Concepts
Opportunity cost
time value of money
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you separate past expenses from future decisions?
- Can ignoring past costs lead to reckless spending?
A Different Perspective
Past costs may still influence psychological perception of value.
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