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The opinions that the price of commodities depends solely on the proportion of supply and demand, or demand to supply, has become almost an axiom in political economy, and has been the source of much error in that science.

— David Ricardo The Principles of Political Economy and Taxation (1821)

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More quotes by David Ricardo

Utility then is not the measure of exchangeable value, although it is absolutely essential to it.

The Principles of Political Economy and Taxation (1821)

Every transaction in commerce is an independent transaction.

The Principles of Political Economy and Taxation (1821)

Possessing utility, commodities derive their exchangeable value from two sources: from their scarcity, and from the quantity of labour required to obtain them.

The Principles of Political Economy and Taxation (1821)

There can be no greater error then in supposing that capital is increased by non-consumption.

The Principles of Political Economy and Taxation (1821)

If a tax on malt would raise the price of beer, a tax on bread must raise the price of bread.

The Principles of Political Economy and Taxation (1821)

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