William Petty Quotes

Powerful William Petty for Daily Growth

About William Petty

William Petty (1623-1687), an influential figure in both mathematics and politics during the era of the Restoration in England, was born on April 28, 1623, in Cork, Ireland. As a polymath, Petty made significant contributions to geography, economics, demography, and military engineering. Petty's early life was marked by education at Trinity College, Dublin, where he studied law and mathematics. After obtaining his degree, he worked as a private tutor in mathematics for the nobility before joining Cromwell's army during the English Civil War. Petty's military career culminated with his role as the surveyor of Ireland, where he was responsible for mapping the entire country. In 1652, Petty proposed a groundbreaking scheme to drain the Great Fen in East Anglia, England, which would later become known as "Petty's Folly." Although the project failed, it demonstrated his visionary thinking and laid the foundation for future reclamation projects. Petty is perhaps best known for his work on demography, specifically the development of a method to calculate the value of property known as the Petty Dividend. This innovative technique combined mathematical calculations with economic principles, making it possible to place a monetary value on land and buildings. As a member of Parliament in England following the Restoration, Petty advocated for free trade and championed the use of science and mathematics to improve society. His most significant political work, "Verbum Sapienti: or, A Discourse of Politics," explored various political theories that influenced subsequent discussions on social contract theory and the role of government in society. Petty's major works include "The Natural and Political Observations upon the Bills of Mortality" (1662), which examined demographic patterns in London, and "Political Arithmetick: or, A Mathematical Discourse Concerning Taxes and Contributions" (1690), where he laid out his economic principles. William Petty's multidisciplinary approach to understanding the world and his pioneering spirit continue to inspire scholars across various fields today.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"What we have hitherto called matter is nothing but the ghost of dead labor."

The quote suggests that what we commonly perceive as physical matter is essentially the residue or manifestation of past human labor. In other words, the objects we see around us, whether naturally occurring or man-made, are the results of countless hours of work, skill, and creativity invested by previous generations. It's a reflection on the human ability to shape and manipulate nature through our labor, giving material form to our ideas and intentions.

"Nature and fortune have been so liberal to me that I dare not make use of it."

This quote by William Petty suggests a humble and grateful attitude towards his circumstances in life. He acknowledges that he has received generous gifts from nature (resources, talents, opportunities) and fortune (luck or destiny), implying wealth, success, or favorable conditions. However, instead of taking advantage of these blessings, he expresses reluctance, as if to say that his good fortune is too great for him to exploit it fully, out of humility or concern for others. It's a reflection of gratitude and prudence, showing that Petty recognizes the role of luck in his life and chooses to use his blessings with caution and respect.

"The art of taxing consists in so plucking the goose as to obtain the largest possible amount of feathers with the least possible rupture to the goose."

This quote by William Petty suggests that effective taxation involves extracting the maximum amount of revenue while causing minimal harm or disruption to those being taxed (the "goose"). It implies a balance between financial gain for the government and maintaining economic stability and goodwill among citizens, symbolized by the analogy of plucking a goose for its feathers.

"A small prudence in time saves much greater cost and trouble in the long run."

The quote emphasizes the importance of foresight and careful planning in achieving long-term success. By taking a small, cautious approach early on, one can avoid larger costs and problems that might arise later. In essence, investing time and effort into prudent decision-making early can save significant resources and trouble down the line.

"Blessed is he who studies mathematics in youth, for he will never study sorrow in age."

The quote by William Petty suggests that a youth spent studying mathematics will equip an individual with skills that are beneficial throughout life, potentially preventing the need for distress or struggle (sorrow) in later years. Essentially, learning mathematical principles early on can provide a foundation for understanding complex problems and solutions, fostering resilience and problem-solving abilities that may alleviate difficulties in adulthood.

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 Petty

Will, Some, Poorer, Envious

Wherefore the race being not to the swift, etc. but time and chance happening to all men, I leave the Judgement of the whole to the Candid, of whose correction I shall never be impatient.

- William Petty

Chance, Judgement, Race, Etc

Wherefore when a man giveth out his money upon condition that be may not demand it back until a certain time to come, he certainly may take a compensation for this inconvenience which he admits against himself.

- William Petty

Back, Against, Giveth, Wherefore

Every seaman is not only a navigator, but a merchant and also a soldier.

- William Petty

Soldier, Only, Navigator, Seaman

An house is of a double nature, viz., one, wherein it is a way and means of expence, the other as it is an instrument and tool of gain.

- William Petty

Nature, Other, Means, Viz

No man pays double or twice for the same thing, forasmuch as nothing can be spent but once.

- William Petty

Same, Twice, Same Thing, Pays

Here 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

Wealth, Here, Consequence, Members

A thousand acres that can feed a thousand souls is better than ten thousand acres of no more effect.

- William Petty

Better, More, Feed, Acres

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.

- William Petty

Wealth, Hands, Means, Civil War

The trade of banks is the buying and selling of interest and exchange.

- William Petty

Trade, Interest, Banks, Buying

Money is the best rule of commerce.

- William Petty

Money, Finance, Rule, Commerce

I hope no man takes what I said about the living and dieing of men for mathematical demonstration.

- William Petty

Men, Living, About, Mathematical

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