There can be no doubt that the original suggestion of this doctrine came from English sources, for it was taught more than a generation before among the English socialists, notably by William thompson in his "Inquiry into the Principles of the Distribution of Wealth," which was published as early as 1824, and is actually quoted by Marx in his work on Capital.
"Contemporary Socialism"
John Rae
Not that he made a pretence to this distinction; old thompson was modest as well as capable, and whatever good was said of him came from the people themselves.
"The Mystery of the Locks"
Edgar Watson Howe
Had there been new people coming to Davy's Bend occasionally, it is possible that old thompson would not have been the leading citizen, for it was said that he "improved on acquaintance," and that people hated the ground he walked on until they had known him a dozen years or more, and found out his sterling virtues; but they had all known him a great many years, and therefore admired him in spite of themselves.
"The Mystery of the Locks"
Edgar Watson Howe
