A desire of gain is common to mankind, and the general motive to business and industry.

This quote by Oliver Ellsworth, one of the Founding Fathers of the United States and the third Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, reflects a fundamental observation about human nature and economic behavior. When he says, “A desire of gain is common to mankind…”, he is acknowledging that the pursuit of profit, security, and advancement is a universal motivation. This natural inclination drives people to work, innovate, and contribute to economic systems.

The second part of the quote—“and the general motive to business and industry”—highlights that this desire for gain is the primary impulse behind the growth of commerce and labor. Ellsworth suggests that entrepreneurship, trade, and productive work are not just societal constructs but arise from deep-seated human aspirations. He frames business activity not as greed, but as a constructive force that channels ambition into industry and progress.

This statement aligns with Enlightenment-era ideals that saw economic liberty and self-interest as engines of national prosperity. As a statesman involved in shaping the U.S. Constitution, Ellsworth’s views were part of a broader intellectual movement that supported free enterprise, individual initiative, and the importance of private property. His insight helped lay the ideological foundation for America’s emerging capitalist economy.

Ultimately, Ellsworth’s quote underscores the idea that economic motivation is a natural and essential aspect of human society. Rather than vilifying the pursuit of gain, he presents it as a driving force behind innovation, development, and the well-being of nations. It remains a powerful reminder of how individual goals can contribute to collective success when aligned with industry and ethical enterprise.