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nydus/A History of Greek Economic ThoughtPublic
Page 119 of 343
Table of Contents

Chapter VI Aristotle

and commerce.

His main contention is that there is a vital distinction between domestic economy, whether of householder (οἰκονόμος) or statesman, and the art of acquisition or finance, as usually pursued.

The primary function of the art of finance is to provide, while that of domestic economy is to use what is provided.742

There are, however, many methods of acquisition (κτητική; χρηματιστική), some of which truly belong to the sphere of domestic economy.743

The provision of all that is furnished by nature herself, as necessary to human existence, then, if not already at hand (ὑπάρχειν), belongs properly to domestic economy.744 It both uses and provides genuine wealth, such as is limited in amount (οὐκ ἄπειρος) yet sufficient for independence (αὐτάρκεια) and the good life.745

But the use of such wealth is its chief business.746

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