Resentment seems to have been given us by nature for a defense, and for a defense only! It is the safeguard of justice and the security of innocence.
Adam SmithRead
What is prudence in the conduct of every private family can scarce be folly in that of a great kingdom.
Interpretation
Prudence, or cautiousness, in financial and resource management is essential for both families and nations.
In this quote, Adam Smith emphasizes that the principles of prudence—careful management and decision-making—should be applied not only to the affairs of individual families but also to the governance of larger entities such as nations. The implication is that sound judgment and caution are virtues that contribute to the prosperity of all levels of society.
In practice
During a lecture on economic policies, one might quote this to emphasize the importance of careful fiscal planning.
Resentment seems to have been given us by nature for a defense, and for a defense only! It is the safeguard of justice and the security of innocence.
It is not from the benevolence of the butcher, the brewer, or the baker that we expect our dinner, but from their regard to their own interest.
Wherever there is great property, there is great inequality.
This is one of those cases in which the imagination is baffled by the facts.
The real and effectual discipline which is exercised over a workman is that of his customers. It is the fear of losing their employment which restrains his frauds and corrects his negligence.
Defense is superior to opulence.
The flower fades and dies; but he who wears the flower has not to mourn for it for ever.
All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.
One thing only do I know for certain and that is that man's judgments of value follow directly his wishes for happiness-that, accordingly, they are an attempt to support his illusions with arguments. [p.111]
It is the flash which appears, the thunderbolt will follow.
Everything must be free to be written and published without restraint.
In polite society, we call our obsessions hobbies.
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