The idea of determining a value by decree had no more meaning than wishing to impose a truth upon it from the outside; real value can only be a free value: In a well regulated social state, the freedom of industry must meet with no obstacle; it must be complete, unlimited; and as the development of an industry can become useful to him who cultivates it only insofar as it is useful to the public, it follows that the general interest is here truly at one with the particular interest.