This reasoning extended to all consumers must lead to the _theory of abundance_! It is the imperfectly understood notion of exchange of produce which leads to these fallacies.

If we consult our individual interest, we perceive immediately that it is double.

As _sellers_ we are interested in high prices, consequently in scarcity.

As _buyers_ our advantage is in cheapness, or what is the same thing, abundance.

It is impossible then to found a proper system of reasoning upon either the one or the other of these separate interests before determining which of the two coincides and identifies itself with the general and permanent interests of mankind.
If man were a solitary animal, working exclusively for himself, consuming the fruit of his own personal labor; if, in a word, he did not exchange his produce, the theory of scarcity could never have introduced itself into the world.