"In matters of commerce the fault of the Dutch Is offering too little and asking too much. The French are with equal advantage content, So we clap on Dutch bottoms just twenty per cent"
- George Canning
About this Quote
This quote by George Canning is describing the Dutch as well as French in regards to their trading methods. Canning is suggesting that the Dutch are too greedy when it pertains to business, as they provide insufficient as well as request for way too much. On the other hand, the French are material with what they get and also want to approve a reasonable bargain. Therefore, Canning is recommending that the Dutch needs to be charged a 20% premium on their trading deals, as they are not happy to accept a reasonable bargain. This quote is a representation of the mercantilist economic system of the time, which was based on the suggestion of accumulating wealth through profession. Canning's quote is a reminder that in matters of commerce, it is important to be reasonable and also practical in order to make certain a successful trading connection.
"In order to govern, the question is not to follow out a more or less valid theory but to build with whatever materials are at hand. The inevitable must be accepted and turned to advantage"