We assemble parliaments and councils, to have the benefit of their collected wisdom; but we necessarily have, at the same time, the inconvenience of their collected passions, prejudices, and private interests. By the help of these, artful men overpower their wisdom, and dupe its possessors; and if we may judge by the acts, arrets, and edicts, all the world over, for regulating commerce, an assembly of great men is the greatest fool upon earth.

Summary

This quote conveys the idea that while parliaments and councils are created to gather the wisdom of many individuals, they also bring together their various biases, personal interests, and emotions. Consequently, cunning individuals exploit these weaknesses and deceive the supposedly wise members of such assemblies. The quote implies that, judging from the laws and regulations concerning commerce worldwide, assemblies composed of supposedly great men often make foolish decisions. It suggests a criticism of the efficacy and rationality of legislative bodies.