David Ricardo was a British economist born in 1772, known for his influential ideas in the field of economics. He is best recognized for his theory of comparative advantage, which explains how countries can benefit from trade by specializing in the production of goods they can produce most efficiently. This concept laid the groundwork for modern international trade theory. Ricardo also contributed to the understanding of rent and wages through his work on the labor theory of value. His writings, particularly the book "Principles of Political Economy and Taxation," have had a lasting impact on economic thought and continue to be studied by economists today.