Parker, in referring to the pre-Reformation period, makes the observation that “prior to the 16th century, the world was seen primarily in terms of metaphysical principles, and trading at profit was looked upon as verging on the immoral.”9 Most, if not all, economic activity in Europe was governed by the managing of one’s “household” or estate, which would include managing land, crops, animals and products derived from this resource, was honourable. Conversely, the profit made by such activities as “retail trade” (production, trading) was not acceptable. Even more so in his book Politisc, Aristotle condemned making a profit (interest) from loaning out money, declaring that “the most hated sort (of profit) is usury, which makes a gain out of money itself.”10