 Thomas Paine argued that "If commerce were permitted to act to the universal extent it is capable, it would extirpate the system of war".Engaging in trade has been described as "civilizing" people, which has been related to virtues such as being "reasonable and prudent; less given to political and, especially, religious enthusiasm; more reliable, honest, thrifty, and industrious".In the greater scheme of things, trade was seen as responsible for ensuring stability, tolerance, reciprocity and fairness.