As stated above, the economic ideas of the Greeks were unsystematized and inextensive.18
The extant literature previous to Plato presents only incidental hints on matters economic. Hesiod, in interesting antithesis to classical thinkers, emphasizes the dignity and importance of manual labor.19
The contrast, however, is not so great as it appears, for the labor which he dignifies is agricultural. He constantly urges its importance as the chief source of wealth.20
On the other hand, he opposes the commercial spirit that was beginning to be rife in his age, and decries the evil of unjust gains.21
His mention of the fact of competition between artisans of the same trade is of interest for the development of industry in Greece.22
His Erga was, in a sense, the forerunner of the later Economica in Greek literature.