The
Poverty of Philosophy
Chapter I.
A Scientific Discovery.
Section I.—Opposition of Utility-Value to Exchange-Value.
"The capacity possessed by all products, natural or industrial, to serve the subsistence of man is specially described as utility-value; the capacity they have of being given in exchange for each other as exchange-value. . . . How does utility-value become exchange-value? . . . . . . The generation of the idea of value (in exchange) has not been noted by the economists with sufficient care; it is important for us to halt here. Since among the objects of which I have need many are found in nature only in very small quantities, or, in some cases, not at all, I am forced to aid in the production of what I want; and, as I cannot turn my hand to so many things, I propose to other men, my collaborators in different functions, to cede to me a portion of their products in exchange for mine." (Proudhon, vol. I., chap. ii.)
M. Proudhon proposes to himself to, before all, explain to us the double nature of value, "the distinction in value,"
