Autor: James Bonar

David Ricardo (1772–1823) was a pivotal figure of classical economics, whose work and theories have had a profound influence on the development of economic thought. Born in London to a family of Sephardic Jewish roots, Ricardo amassed significant wealth as a stockbroker, which allowed him to engage in intellectual pursuits. He is most notably remembered for his contributions to the theory of rent, the labor theory of value, comparative advantage, and the principles of political economy and taxation. Although Ricardo”s „Principles of Political Economy and Taxation” remains his most famous work, „Letters of David Ricardo to Thomas Robert Malthus, 1810-1823” offers invaluable insights into his thoughts and the development of his ideas through correspondence with Malthus. The exchange of letters between these two intellectual giants explores their disagreements on economic theory, particularly regarding the law of diminishing returns and the principles of political economy. Ricardo”s literary style is marked by its rigor and analytical depth, reflecting his logical approach to economic problems and his ability to abstract and simplify complex ideas. His legacy persists in the fields of economics and political science, where his works continue to be studied for their revolutionary contributions to the discipline.