arbitrista

The term "arbitrista" refers to Spanish writers of the 16th and 17th centuries who analyzed Spain's economic and social problems and proposed solutions for recovery. These writers, like González de Cellorigo, identified a core issue: a societal disdain for productive labor, leading many to seek wealth through shortcuts rather than industry. The influx of treasure from the Americas, instead of stimulating investment, encouraged a rentier mentality, with money often placed in government annuities called censos.1

Arbitristas advocated for practical reforms such as reducing government spending, reforming taxes, encouraging immigration, improving infrastructure, and distributing the costs of empire. Their proposals were similar to mercantilist ideas in other European countries, aiming to increase state power through economic activity. However, these ideas were largely unheeded by the ruling classes of Castile. This period also saw the rise of literature, like the picaresque novel and the plays of Cervantes, Lope de Vega, and Calderón de la Barca, which reflected and commented on these social and economic conditions.1