"Things are worth what they will fetch at a sale"
- Edward Coke
About this Quote
This quote by Edward Coke is a suggestion that the value of something is determined by the market. It recommends that the worth of a product is not necessarily identified by its intrinsic value, however by what somebody is willing to pay for it. This is especially true when it comes to auctions, where the highest bidder will win the product despite its actual worth. This quote is a suggestion that the marketplace is the ultimate determinant of value, which the worth of something is not necessarily fixed. It likewise acts as a warning to purchasers to be knowledgeable about the marketplace worth of a product prior to purchasing, as they may end up paying more than the product is in fact worth. Eventually, this quote is a tip that the marketplace is the supreme arbiter of value.
About the Author