The basic facts of economics : $b A common-sense primer for advanced studentsPost, Louis F. (Louis Freeland)
General
The basic facts of economics : $b A common-sense primer for advanced students
Post, Louis F. (Louis Freeland)
Economics
Every one of those Economic details can be considered intelligently,
readily and accurately, through the medium of the three Basic Facts,
into one or another of which must fall, not only that barrel of
potatoes and all the details of its production, but also the entire
stock of the store, and of all other stores, and every Economic
agency back of them to the very beginning of each productive process
through which they have passed. All Economic details, the familiar
and the unfamiliar, the obvious and the mysterious, the known and
the unknown, generalize with precision into the three Basic Facts of
Economics--Artificial Objects, Natural Resources and Man.
Natural Resources are the source and the indispensable condition at
every stage, from beginning to end, in the production of every kind of
satisfaction for human wants. Man is the active agent at all stages.
Artificial Objects constitute the category into which each result
generalizes at each stage of production. From Economic particulars
we derive knowledge of Economic detail and skill in applying that
knowledge; but only from their correct generalization can we derive
Economic wisdom.
Thinking _about_ the three Basic Facts is necessary to an
understanding of their mutual relations; thinking _from_ them is
necessary to an understanding of the mutual relations of their
constituent parts. Reversely, we must think from Man to Man-power of
numerous kinds, both mental and physical; from Natural Resources to
soil, minerals, air, water, building sites, and so on; from Artificial
Objects to houses, tools, machinery, food, clothing, et cetera.
In another form of statement, the Economic student must know and
understand the comprehensive categories or Basic Facts in order to
grasp the Why of Economic adjustments, the natural relationship of
Economic effects and causes. To understand the How, he must also
know and understand the little facts of Economic specialization,
such as the mutual relations of the details which go to make up
those wholes--the particular facts, for instance, of agriculture or
architecture or engineering or merchandizing or manufacturing or
banking or professional service,--as well as their three comprehensive
classifications or Basic Facts--Man, Natural Resources and Artificial
Objects.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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