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The command of a large sum is a dangerous temptation to a national administration. Though accumulated at their expense, the people rarely, if ever profit by it: yet in point of fact, all value, and consequently, all wealth, originates with the people.

Jean-Baptiste Say

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Jean-Baptiste Say
Age: 65 †
Born: 1767
Born: January 5
Died: 1832
Died: November 14
Economist
Industrialist
Journalist
Translator
Lyons
Jean Baptiste Say
People
Wealth
Rarely
Dangerous
Temptation
Though
Command
Point
Administration
Originates
Values
Profit
Accumulated
Fact
National
Consequently
Facts
Large
Expense
Ever
Value
Expenses

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It is a melancholy but an undoubted fact, that, even in the most thriving countries, part of the population annually dies of mere want. Not that all who perish from want absolutely die of hunger though this calamity is of more frequent occurrence than is generally supposed.
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Political economy has only become a science since it has been confined to the results of inductive investigation.
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With respect to the present time, there are few persons who unite the qualifications of good observers with a situation favourable for accurate observation.
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A science only advances with certainty, when the plan of inquiry and the object of our researches have been clearly defined otherwise a small number of truths are loosely laid hold of, without their connexion being perceived, and numerous errors, without being enabled to detect their fallacy.
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The government has, in all countries, a vast influence, in determining the character of the national consumption not only because it absolutely directs the consumption of the state itself, but because a great proportion of the consumption of individuals is gained by its will and example.
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Dominion by land or sea will appear equally destitute of attraction, when it comes to be generally understood, that all its advantages rest with the rulers, and that the subjects at large derive no benefit whatever.
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The best scheme of finance is, to spend as little as possible and the best tax is always the lightest.
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No human being has the faculty of originally creating matter, which is more than nature itself can do. But any one may avail himself of the agents offered him by nature, to invest matter with utility.
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Some writers maintain arithmetic to be only the only sure guide in political economy for my part, I see so many detestable systems built upon arithmetical statements, that I am rather inclined to regard that science as the instrument of national calamity.
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A nation or an individual, will do wisely to direct consumption chiefly to those articles, that are longest time in wearing out, and the most frequently in use.
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Taxation being a burthen, must needs weigh lightest on each individual, when it bears upon all alike.
Jean-Baptiste Say
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The luxury of ostentation affords a much less substantial and solid gratification, than the luxury of comfort, if I may be allowed the expression.
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The manner in which things exist and take place, constitutes what is called the nature of things and a careful observation of the nature of things is the sole foundation of all truth.
Jean-Baptiste Say
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Supply creates its own demand.
Jean-Baptiste Say
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A treasure does not always contribute to the political security of its possessors. It rather invites attack, and very seldom is faithfully applied to the purpose for which it was destined.
Jean-Baptiste Say
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The ancients, by their system of colonization, made themselves friends all over the known world the moderns have sought to make subjects, and therefore have made enemies.
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A tax can never be favorable to the public welfare, except by the good use that is made of its proceeds.
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All travellers agree that protestant are both richer and more populous than catholic countriesand the reason is, because the habits of the former are more conducive to production.
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The United States will have the honour of proving experimentally, that true policy goes hand in hand with moderation and humanity.
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A shop-keeper in good business is quite as well off as a pedlar that travels the country with his wares on his back. Commercial jealousy is, after all, nothing but prejudice: it is a wild fruit, that will drop of itself when it has arrived at maturity.
Jean-Baptiste Say