David Ricardo English economist, classic of political economy Date of Birth: 18.04.1772 Country: Great Britain

1. Biography of David Ricardo
2. Early Life and Education
3. Family Background and Interests
4. Conflict with Father and Independent Journey

Biography of David Ricardo

David Ricardo, an English economist and a prominent figure in classical political economy, was born on April 19, 1772, in London. He was the third son of respected Abraham Ricardo.

Early Life and Education

At the age of 12, David was sent by his father to live with his uncle in Amsterdam, where he attended a trade school for two years. Upon his return to London, he started assisting his father in his stock market and trading operations. It was during this time that he developed remarkable speed and skill in dealing with numbers, which impressed those who knew him. As a sixteen-year-old boy, he even escorted his younger brothers to Holland, allowing him to become well-acquainted with the Amsterdam stock exchange, which played a significant role in the 18th century, much like the London Stock Exchange did in the 19th century.

Family Background and Interests

Despite his strict orthodoxy, Ricardo's father was not an enemy of "Christian" civilization. His brother, Ralph, was also interested in literature, while his sister, Sarah, wrote on pedagogical questions and authored popular mathematics manuals. Ricardo's uncle, Dakosta, whom he frequently met in Amsterdam, was a well-known poet and writer in his time.

Conflict with Father and Independent Journey

As a young man, David had a falling out with his father, but it was temporary. The dispute arose from Ricardo's decision to marry Priscilla-Anna Wilkinson, a Christian woman and the daughter of Edward Wilkinson. They got married on December 20, 1793, after David converted to Christianity, which led to his departure from his parental home. Thus, he was thrust into independence at an early age. However, his tireless energy, exceptional abilities, and the support he received from many members of the London Stock Exchange - possibly including his brother, with whom he maintained a close friendship until his death - helped him become not only financially independent but also amass a considerable fortune. Rumor had it that his wealth was valued at 40 million francs.