Literary notes about trade (AI summary)
In literature, the word “trade” emerges as a multifaceted term that transcends mere commerce to encompass occupations, social exchanges, and even ideological conflicts. It is frequently used to describe economic and commercial activities, as seen in discussions of global commerce and colonial expansion [1][2][3], as well as the practical workings of markets and monopolies [4][5][6]. At the same time, it conveys the notion of a profession or vocation—whether referring to the apprenticeship of a blacksmith [7] or the specialized skills of a sailor or artisan [8][9]. Beyond the literal sense, “trade” can also imply a deeper metaphorical exchange, one that captures conflicts of freedom versus security [10] or the very spirit of competition and social interaction [11]. Thus, across diverse literary works, “trade” functions both as a concrete reference to business and a symbolic lens through which various aspects of human endeavor and societal organization are explored.
- The settlements of the Portuguese were largely for the purposes of trade.
— from A History of the Philippines by David P. Barrows - The foreign trade is concentrated in Mobile, whence cotton is the principal export.
— from The New Gresham Encyclopedia. A to Amide by Various - The age of colonization, of world-wide trade and intercourse, had begun.
— from A History of the Philippines by David P. Barrows - In a trade so easily learnt he would have more competitors, and his wages, when he came to be a complete workman, would be much less than at present.
— from An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations by Adam Smith - A monopoly granted either to an individual or to a trading company, has the same effect as a secret in trade or manufactures.
— from An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations by Adam Smith - The capital, therefore, which can be employed in the grocery trade, cannot exceed what is sufficient to purchase that quantity.
— from An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations by Adam Smith - You couldn’t hope to be a blacksmith without spending three years at learning the trade—or is it five years!
— from Martin Eden by Jack London - Mr. Richard Brown, of Marblehead, our chief mate in the Alert, commanded many of our noblest ships in the European trade, a general favorite.
— from Two Years Before the Mast by Richard Henry Dana - By trade he was now a professional diver.
— from Following the Equator: A Journey Around the World by Mark Twain - They’re cowards: the timid, the unsacrificing—the ones that want peace at any price—the ones who will trade freedom for security.
— from The Lani People by Jesse F. Bone - competition, two of a trade, rivalry, emulation, race.
— from Roget's Thesaurus by Peter Mark Roget
