All that external rivalry can do, even in cases where it absolutely keeps us from any certain form of labor, is to encourage our labor, and increase our productive power.

Is that the road to _supremacy_, for foreigners?
If a mine of gold were to be discovered in France, it does not follow that it would be for our interests to work it.

It is even certain that the enterprise ought to be neglected, if each ounce of gold absorbed more of our labor than an ounce of gold bought in Mexico with cloth.

In this case, it would be better to keep on seeing our mines in our manufactories.

What is true of gold is true of iron.
The illusion comes from the fact that one thing is not seen.