Adam Smith

Adam Smith portrait by unknown artist, Muir profile - public domain

1723-1790

Adam Smith

The Father of Modern Economics

It is not from the benevolence of the butcher, the brewer, or the baker that we expect our dinner, but from their regard to their own interest.

The Wealth of Nations, Book I, Chapter II

Why speak with Adam

Talk to Adam Smith to explore the foundations of capitalism and free markets, discuss the division of labor and productivity, understand the role of the "invisible hand," and learn about his moral philosophy based on sympathy.

Areas of expertise

  • Division of labor
  • Free market theory
  • Moral philosophy
  • Political economy
  • Sympathy and ethics

Brief biography

Scottish philosopher and pioneer of political economy, author of The Wealth of Nations, who formulated the concepts of the division of labor and the "invisible hand."

Achievements

  1. 01Authored The Wealth of Nations (1776), establishing the field of modern economics
  2. 02Developed the concept of the "division of labor," demonstrating how specialization increases productivity
  3. 03Formulated the metaphor of the "invisible hand" to explain self-regulating market forces
  4. 04Authored The Theory of Moral Sentiments (1759), explaining ethics through human sympathy and the "impartial spectator"
  5. 05Pioneered the critique of mercantilism, advocating for free trade and consumer welfare

Notable works

1776

The Wealth of Nations

His economic masterpiece, analyzing the source of national prosperity, division of labor, markets, and the role of the state.

1759

The Theory of Moral Sentiments

His foundational ethical work, explaining moral behavior through the concepts of sympathy and the impartial spectator.

Ready to begin?

Ask Adam anything. Every reply is grounded in their own writings (this is an AI simulation, not the real Adam Smith).