Adam Smith Philosopher
- Gender: Male
- Citizenship: Scotland
- Born: Jun 5, 1723
- Died: Jul 17, 1790
Adam Smith was a Scottish moral philosopher and a pioneer of political economy. One of the key figures of the Scottish Enlightenment, Smith is best known for two classic works: The Theory of Moral Sentiments, and An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations. The latter, usually abbreviated as The Wealth of Nations, is considered his magnum opus and the first modern work of economics. Smith is cited as the "father of modern economics" and is still among the most influential thinkers in the field of economics today.
Smith studied social philosophy at the University of Glasgow and at Balliol College, Oxford, where he was one of the first students to benefit from scholarships set up by fellow Scot, John Snell. After graduating, he delivered a successful series of public lectures at the University of Edinburgh, leading him to collaborate with David Hume during the Scottish Enlightenment. Smith obtained a professorship at Glasgow teaching moral philosophy, and during this time he wrote and published The Theory of Moral Sentiments.
This is one of those cases in which the imagination is baffled by the facts.
imagination
No society can surely be flourishing and happy, of which the far greater part of the members are poor and miserable.
society
Science is the great antidote to the poison of enthusiasm and superstition.
greatness & science
No complaint... is more common than that of a scarcity of money.
money
Happiness never lays its finger on its pulse.
happiness
The propensity to truck, barter and exchange one thing for another is common to all men, and to be found in no other race of animals.
finance
What can be added to the happiness of a man who is in health, out of debt, and has a clear conscience?
happiness & health
Labor was the first price, the original purchase - money that was paid for all things.
money
All money is a matter of belief.
finance & money