Adam Smith's seminal work examines how nations generate wealth through division of labour, capital accumulation, and market mechanisms. It argues that self‑interest, guided by an invisible hand, can promote societal prosperity. The book laid the foundations of modern economics and continues to shape discussions of trade, policy, and economic theory.
Try these questions
- What are the central themes of division of labour and the invisible hand, and how do they shape the book's argument?
- How does Smith portray the roles of merchants, manufacturers, and laborers, and what insights does he offer about their motivations?
- In what ways did the economic and political climate of 18th‑century Britain influence Smith's ideas and the reception of his work?
- How does Smith use empirical observation and rhetorical structure to build his economic arguments, and what narrative techniques distinguish his prose?
The Wealth of Nations
Adam Smith