I have no great faith in political arithmetic, and I mean not to warrant the exactness of either of these computations.
Adam SmithGoods can serve many other purposes besides purchasing money, but money can serve no other purpose besides purchasing goods.
Adam SmithThe importation of gold and silver is not the principal, much less the sole benefit which a nation derives from its foreign trade.
Adam SmithThough the principles of the banking trade may appear somewhat abstruse, the practice is capable of being reduced to strict rules. To depart upon any occasion from those rules, is consequence of some flattering speculation of extraordinary gain, is almost always extremely dangerous, and frequently fatal to the banking company which attempts it.
Adam Smith