William Petty
William Petty
Sir William Petty FRSwas an English economist, scientist and philosopher. He first became prominent serving Oliver Cromwell and Commonwealth in Ireland. He developed efficient methods to survey the land that was to be confiscated and given to Cromwell's soldiers. He also managed to remain prominent under King Charles II and King James II, as did many others who had served Cromwell...
NationalityEnglish
ProfessionEconomist
Date of Birth27 May 1623
war mean men
Causes of Civil War are also, that the Wealth of the Nation is in too few mens hands, and that no certain means are provided to keep all men from a necessity either to beg, or steal, or be Souldiers.
years three hay
It were good to know how much hay an acre of every sort will bear; how many cattle the same weight of each sort of hay will feed and fatten; what quantity of grain and other commodities the same acre will bear in one, three or seven years; unto what use each soil is proper; all which particulars I call intrinsic value, for there is also another value merely accidental or extrinsic.
numbers people use
Without 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.
men demonstration said
I hope no man takes what I said about the living and dieing of men for mathematical demonstration.
soul acres thousand
A thousand acres that can feed a thousand souls is better than ten thousand acres of no more effect.
evil world envious
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.
change loss may
Raising of money may indeed change the species, but with so much loss as the foreign pieces were raised unto, above their intrinsick value.
finance commerce
Money is the best rule of commerce.