The value of any commodity, therefore, to the person who possesses it, and who means not to use or consume it himself, but to exchange it for other commodities, is equal to the quantity of labour which it enables him to purchase or command. Labour, therefore, is the real measure of the exchangeable value of all commodities. The real price of everything, what everything really costs to the man who wants to acquire it, is the toil and trouble of acquiring it.

I have never known much good done by those who affected to trade for the public good.

Problems worthy of attacks, prove their worth by hitting back

It seldom happens, however, that a great proprietor is a great improver.

Science is the great antidote to the poison of enthusiasm and superstition.

Men desire to have some share in the management of public affairs chiefly on account of the importance which it gives them.

Nobody but a beggar chooses to depend chiefly upon the benevolence of his fellow-citizens.