Here we are to remember that in consequence of our opinion that labor is the Father and active principle of wealth, as lands are the Mother, that the state by killing, mutilating, or imprisoning their members do withal punish themselves.

As Hobbes had centered on peace Petty chose prosperity. Further restrictions 'would do us twice as much harm as the losse of our said Trade' (p. 113)

What is striking about these passages is his intellectual rigour which put him far ahead of the mercantilist writers of earlier in the century.

He developed efficient methods to survey the land that was to be confiscated and given to Cromwell's soldiers. Sir William Petty FRS (26 May 1623 – 16 December 1687) was an English economist scientist and philosopher.