Speech is probably the most difficult precept. This is made clear when looking at the 8-Fold Path and one sees that a whole 'step' on that path is given over to right speech. Not telling lies is the minimum standard. It also includes telling tales, gossip, abusive language. A quote from the Pali scriptures covers the fifth precept: 'Taking drink and drugs brings a sixfold misfortune: it leads to a loss in one's property, to quarrels, is a source of sickness, creates a bad reputation, destroys the sense of moral shame and weakens the intellect.' A clear mind is the key to Buddhist liberation and drink and drugs mess it up. Also, breaking this precept increases the chances of breaking the other four. These percepts all allow a safe environment for any type of economy to be safe and maximize profit. If a business moves into a safe environment they save money on security procedures and are able to use profits in other directions. .
The Buddha, or enlightened one, is said to possess four virtues: true self, eternity, happiness and purity. Ethical qualities also influence industrial output. If workers enjoy their work and are industrious, productivity will be high. This relates to true happiness, if one is happy with their surroundings and with what they are doing they will be more productive. On the other hand, if they are dishonest, disgruntled or lazy, this will have a negative effect on the quality of production and the amount of productivity. .
Value and consumption are important in the business economic world. We must distinguish which kind of desire our consumption is intended to satisfy: is it to answer the need for things of true value, or to indulge in the pleasures afforded by artificial value? Consumption is said to be one of the goals of economic activity. However, economic theory and Buddhism define consumption differently. Consumption is the improvement or satisfaction of desire, that much is agreed.
