David Ricardo：On the Principles of Political Economy and Taxation, Excerpt 137

I have already said, that long before this state of prices was become permanent, there would be no motive for accumulation; for no one accumulates but with a view to make his accumulation productive, and it is only when so employed that it operates on profits. Without a motive there could be no accumulation, and consequently such a state of prices never could take place. The farmer and manufacturer can no more live without profit, than the labourer without wages. Their motive for accumulation will diminish with every diminution of profit, and will cease altogether when their profits are so low as not to afford them an adequate compensation for their trouble, and the risk which they must necessarily encounter in employing their capital productively.

Source： https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/33310
Locator：Excerpt 137 · Verified：2026-10-19 · Verification：Short excerpt

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