Question

The folly of men has enhanced the value of gold and silver because of their scarcity; whereas, on the contrary, it is their opinion that Nature, as an indulgent parent, has freely given us all the best things in great abundance, such as water and earth, but has laid up and hid from us the things that are vain and useless. Which historical fact will best help readers understand this excerpt

Answer 1

Answer: Explorers during this period went to the New World in search of scarce resources

Step-by-step explanation:

The historical fact that will best help readers understand this excerpt is that explorers during this period went to the New World in search of scarce resources.

Due to scarcity of certain resources like diamond, silver, gold etc, the are scarce and aren't readily available such makes them costly. This brings about the enhancement of their values.