Is there something in trade that desiccates and flattens out, that turns men into dried leaves at the age of forty? Certainly there is. It is not due to trade but to intensity of self-seeking, combined with narrowness of occupation. Business has destroyed the very knowledge in us of all other natural forces except business.

Summary

This quote, attributed to John Ruskin, suggests that a particular type of intense self-seeking and narrow focus commonly found in trade can have a detrimental effect on individuals. Ruskin argues that while trade itself is not to blame, the self-centeredness and limited perspectives fostered by the business world can diminish people's understanding and appreciation of other natural forces and aspects of life. Essentially, the quote implies that an excessive dedication to business can lead individuals to become emotionally and intellectually dried up, losing sight of the diverse richness of the world beyond their specific occupation.

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