Anne Robert Jacques Turgot
French economist who promoted free trade and opposed monopolies.
Most quoted
"Professional observation: 'The physiocratic system reveals that net product comes solely from agriculture.'"
— from Reflections on the Formation and Distribution of Wealth, 1766
"Witty remark: 'The king's finances are like a leaky ship; we must plug the holes before it sinks.'"
— from Speech, 1774
"The only way to increase the wealth of a nation is to increase the productivity of its labor."
— from Reflections on the Formation and Distribution of Wealth, 1770
All quotes by Anne Robert Jacques Turgot (102)
The human mind is capable of infinite progress.
History is the record of human progress.
The future is always uncertain, but we must always strive for improvement.
The greatest obstacle to progress is prejudice and ignorance.
True happiness consists in doing good to others.
The love of humanity is the noblest of all passions.
Justice is the foundation of all society.
Equality before the law is a fundamental right.
The people are the ultimate source of all legitimate power.
The government should be accountable to the people.
The best government is that which governs least.
The freedom of the press is essential for a free society.
Education is the key to progress and enlightenment.
Reason is the only guide to truth.
Superstition and fanaticism are the enemies of reason.
Tolerance is a virtue that all enlightened people should possess.
The pursuit of knowledge is a noble endeavor.
The scientific method is the most reliable path to truth.
Observation and experimentation are the foundations of science.
The laws of nature are immutable and universal.
Contemporaries of Anne Robert Jacques Turgot
Other Economicss born within 50 years of Anne Robert Jacques Turgot (1727–1781).