Thomas Mun

Thomas Mun (baptized June 17, 1571, London, England—died c. July 21, 1641) was an English writer. He is known for his theory (an idea that tries to explain something), especially about science or philosophy) of the balance of trade.

Mun also worked for the East India Company. He wrote two books: A Discourse of Trade from England Unto the East Indies and England's Treasure by Foreign Trade. 

 Personal Life 
Thomas Mun was born in June 1571 in London, England. His family was rich. He had a father, John Mun. He was raised by his stepfather.  We do not know about his education. 

 Family 
Thomas Mun's father and stepfather both sold fabrics for a living. His stepfather was also a director of the East India Company. His grandfather, also named John Mun, worked in the Royal Mint (a mint is a place where money is made). 

 Marriage 
When Thomas Mun was 41, he married Ursula Malcott. They had three children: John, Ann, and Mary. 

 Career 
In 1615, Thomas Mun was chosen to be the director of the East India Company, because he was very successful. He worked hard for the rest of his life to help the East India Company. 

 Works 

 A Discourse of Trade from England unto the East-Indies 
Thomas Mun was a mercantilist, meaning he believed that lots of gold makes a country rich. He became famous during a depression (when the economy is not doing well) in 1620. People said that this was because the East India Company used £30,000 in bullion (gold, silver, or platinum) for each voyage. 

In 1621, he wrote a book called 'A Discourse of Trade from England unto the East-Indies'. The book says that a country will be rich if it exports more than it imports; in other words, if it sells more than it buys. 

 References 

Category:1571 births
Category:1641 deaths
Category:English writers