The pursuit of commerce reconciles nations, calms wars, strengthens peace, and commutes the private good of individuals into the common benefit of all. (…)
Commerce penetrates the secret places of the world, approaches shores unseen, explores fearful wildernesses, and in tongues unknown…carries on the trade of mankind.
Hugh of St. Victor – Christian medieval theologian (1096-1141), from “Didascalicon” (c. 1128), Quotations book 2013