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 PettyWithout the knowledge of the true number of the people, as a principle, the whole scope and use of keeping bills of birth and burials is impaired; wherefore by laborious conjectures and calculations to deduce the number of people from the births and burials, may be ingenious, but very preposterous.
William PettyI hope no man takes what I said about the living and dieing of men for mathematical demonstration.
William PettyHere 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