This quote suggests that in the realm of manufacturing, secrets or proprietary methods can be maintained for a longer period compared to those in trade. This is because manufacturing often involves complex processes, specific machinery, or unique skills that can’t be easily replicated or understood by outsiders. On the other hand, trade secrets usually involve strategies or information that can be more easily discovered or replicated, such as pricing strategies, supplier information, or client lists.
In the context of today’s world, this idea can be seen in the tech industry. For example, a company like Apple can keep its manufacturing processes for its devices a secret for a longer time because they involve complex engineering and design principles. However, its trade strategies, like its marketing approach or sales strategy, could be more easily replicated by competitors.
In terms of personal development, one could interpret this quote as suggesting that the more complex and unique your skills or knowledge, the more valuable they are likely to be. This is because they are harder for others to replicate, giving you a competitive advantage. Therefore, investing time in developing unique skills or knowledge could be more beneficial in the long run.
