I have no faith in political arithmetic.

Secrets in manufactures are capable of being longer kept than secrets in trade.

With the greater part of rich people, the chief enjoyment of riches consists in the parade of riches.

The property which every man has in his own labour, as it is the original foundation of all other property, so it is the most sacred and inviolable.

Defense is superior to opulence.

The necessaries of life occasion the great expense of the poor. They find it difficult to get food, and the greater part of their little revenue is spent in getting it. The luxuries and vanities of life occasion the principal expense of the rich, and a magnificent house embellishes and sets off to the best advantage all the other luxuries and vanities which they possess ... It is not very unreasonable that the rich should contribute to the public expense, not only in proportion to their revenue, but something more than in that proportion.

The greatest improvement in the productive powers of labour, and the greater part of the skill, dexterity, and judgment with which it is anywhere directed, or applied, seem to have been the effects of the division of labour.