But traffic clouds our vision in the contemplation of this simple truth.

In a state of society with the division of labor to which it leads, the production and consumption of an article no longer belong to the same individual.

Each now looks upon his labor not as a means, but as an end.

The exchange of produce creates with regard to each object two separate interests, that of the producer and that of the consumer; and these two interests are always directly opposed to each other.
It is essential to analyze and study the nature of each.

Let us then suppose a producer of whatever kind; what is his immediate interest?
It consists in two things: 1st, that the smallest possible number of individuals should devote themselves to the business which he follows; and 2dly, that the greatest possible number should seek the articles of his produce.