England was nothing, compared to continental nations until she had become commercial:until about the middle of the last century, when a number of ingenious and inventive men, without apparent relation to each other, arose in various parts of the kingdom, succeeded in giving an immense impulse to all the branches of the national industry; the result of which has been a harvest of wealth and prosperity, perhaps without a parallel in the history of the world.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- England's rise to wealth and power depended on becoming a commercial nation driven by inventive individuals in the 18th century.
- In plain terms
- England became wealthy when inventive people boosted industry.
- What can you take from it?
- Innovation and commerce drive national prosperity.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How does innovation shape national strength?
- What defines true prosperity?
Another view
The quote overlooks colonialism and exploitation that contributed to England's wealth.
More from Samuel Smiles
A place for everything, and everything in its place.
Permalink to quote #2 Sow a thought, and you reap an act; Sow an act, and you reap a habit; Sow a habit, and you reap a character; Sow a character, and you reap a destiny.
Permalink to quote #3 No laws, however stringent, can make the idle industrious, the thriftless provident, or the drunken sober.
Permalink to quote #4
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