The quote "What nature wants, commodious gold bestows; ‘Tis thus we cut the bread another sows" is an insightful commentary on the relationship between nature, human labor, and wealth. It suggests that the natural world provides the raw materials that humans need for survival, but it is through the application of labor that these resources are transformed into commodities that can be bought and sold. Gold, a symbol of wealth, is described as "commodious" because it allows for the easy exchange of goods and services.
The phrase "we cut the bread another sows" is a metaphorical way of saying that we benefit from the labor of others. In other words, the bread we eat (the goods and services we consume) is often the result of someone else’s hard work. This can be seen in the global economy, where goods produced in one country are consumed in another.
Applying this idea to today’s world, we can see that globalization and the international division of labor allow us to enjoy a variety of products and services that we would not be able to produce on our own. However, this interconnectedness also brings ethical considerations, as the labor conditions in producing countries may not be up to the standards of consuming countries.
In terms of personal development, this quote can remind us to appreciate the labor that goes into the goods and services we consume. It can also inspire us to consider the impact of our consumption habits on the wider world. For example, by choosing to buy fair-trade products, we can help ensure that workers in producing countries are paid a fair wage for their labor.
