The Jealousy of Trade

David Hume encourages politicians to put away their distrust of other countries, and allow free trade to flourish.

1742

Introduction

Politicians waste years and squander billions thrashing out grudging trade deals in an atmosphere of mutual distrust. But back in the 1740s, Scottish philospher David Hume argued that if we wish to be prosperous ourselves we should welcome prosperity in our neighbours.

by David Hume 1711-1776

spelling modernised

NOTHING is more usual, among states which have made some advances in commerce, than to look on the progress of their neighbours with a suspicious eye, to consider all trading states as their rivals, and to suppose that it is impossible for any of them to flourish, but at their expense.

In opposition to this narrow and malignant opinion, I will venture to assert, that the increase of riches and commerce in any one nation, instead of hurting, commonly promotes the riches and commerce of all its neighbours; and that a state can scarcely carry its trade and industry very far, where all the surrounding states are buried in ignorance, sloth, and barbarism.

Compare the situation of Great Britain at present, with what it was two centuries ago. All the arts both of agriculture and manufactures were then extremely rude and imperfect. Every improvement, which we have since made, has arisen from our imitation of foreigners; notwithstanding the advanced state of our manufactures, we daily adopt, in every art, the inventions and improvements of our neighbours.*

by David Hume 1711-1776

spelling modernised

From ‘Of the Jealousy of Trade’, in ‘Essays, Moral, Political, and Literary’ II.VI.1 (1742), by David Hume (1711-1776). The spelling has been modernised.

* See also John Bright on The Friendship of Trade.

Précis

In the eighteenth century, Scottish philospher David Hume criticised the view that a wealthy nation should try to keep other nations poor in order to remain wealthy. He argued that prosperity is increased when our neighbours are encouraged to advance, since the history of Britain shows that our ongoing success is founded on foreign inventions and trade.

Questions for Critics

1. What is the author aiming to achieve in writing this?

2. Note any words, devices or turns of phrase that strike you. How do they help the author communicate his ideas more effectively?

3. What impression does this passage make on you? How might you put that impression into words?

Based on The English Critic (1939) by NL Clay, drawing on The New Criticism: A Lecture Delivered at Columbia University, March 9, 1910, by J. E. Spingarn, Professor of Comparative Literature in Columbia University, USA.

Sevens

Suggest answers to this question. See if you can limit one answer to exactly seven words.

What was the ‘narrow and malignant opinion’ that Hume rejected?

Jigsaws

Express the ideas below in a single sentence, using different words as much as possible. Do not be satisfied with the first answer you think of; think of several, and choose the best.

One country becomes wealthy. Other countries are jealous. This is narrow-minded.