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About this quote

What does it mean?
The act of buying and selling inherently creates opposition between parties rather than cooperation.
In plain terms
Commerce pits buyers against sellers.
What can you take from it?
Transactional relationships can undermine social cohesion.

Where it applies

  • critiquing capitalism
  • social ethics
  • economic theory

Putting it to work

  • consider alternative economies
  • analyze social impact of trade

Questions to consider

  • Does trade inherently harm society?
  • What is the social cost of commerce?

Another view

Trade often benefits both parties through voluntary exchange.

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