Here we are to remember that in consequence of our opinion that labor is the Father and active principle of wealth, as lands are the Mother, that the state by killing, mutilating, or imprisoning their members do withal punish themselves.

About William Petty

Sir William Petty was an English economist, physician, scientist and philosopher. He first became prominent serving Oliver Cromwell and the Commonwealth in Ireland.

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More quotes from William Petty

An house is of a double nature, viz., one, wherein it is a way and means of expence, the other as it is an instrument and tool of gain.

William Petty

English scientist, philosopher, statistician and economist (1623-1687)

Causes of Civil War are also, that the Wealth of the Nation is in too few mens hands, and that no certain means are provided to keep all men from a necessity either to beg, or steal, or be Souldiers.

William Petty

English scientist, philosopher, statistician and economist (1623-1687)

Here we are to remember that in consequence of our opinion that labor is the Father and active principle of wealth, as lands are the Mother, that the state by killing, mutilating, or imprisoning their members do withal punish themselves.

William Petty

English scientist, philosopher, statistician and economist (1623-1687)

The trade of banks is the buying and selling of interest and exchange.

William Petty

English scientist, philosopher, statistician and economist (1623-1687)

Every seaman is not only a navigator, but a merchant and also a soldier.

William Petty

English scientist, philosopher, statistician and economist (1623-1687)

No man pays double or twice for the same thing, forasmuch as nothing can be spent but once.

William Petty

English scientist, philosopher, statistician and economist (1623-1687)

A thousand acres that can feed a thousand souls is better than ten thousand acres of no more effect.

William Petty

English scientist, philosopher, statistician and economist (1623-1687)

That some are poorer than others, ever was and ever will be: And that many are naturally querulous and envious, is an Evil as old as the World.

William Petty

English scientist, philosopher, statistician and economist (1623-1687)

Money is the best rule of commerce.

William Petty

English scientist, philosopher, statistician and economist (1623-1687)

Wherefore the race being not to the swift, etc. but time and chance happening to all men, I leave the Judgement of the whole to the Candid, of whose correction I shall never be impatient.

William Petty

English scientist, philosopher, statistician and economist (1623-1687)

Wherefore when a man giveth out his money upon condition that be may not demand it back until a certain time to come, he certainly may take a compensation for this inconvenience which he admits against himself.

William Petty

English scientist, philosopher, statistician and economist (1623-1687)

I hope no man takes what I said about the living and dieing of men for mathematical demonstration.

William Petty

English scientist, philosopher, statistician and economist (1623-1687)