If a commodity were in no way useful, - in other words, if it could in no way contribute to our gratification, - it would be destitute of exchangeable value, however scarce it might be, or whatever quantity of labour might be necessary to procure it.
David RicardoNeither a state nor a bank ever have had unrestricted power of issuing paper money without abusing that power.
David RicardoGold, on the contrary, though of little use compared with air or water, will exchange for a great quantity of other goods.
David RicardoIf I discover a manure which will enable me to make a piece of land produce 20 per cent more corn, I may withdraw at least a portion of my capital from the most unproductive part of my farm.
David Ricardo