Adam Smith Capitalism Quotes, a Scottish economist and philosopher, is often hailed as the father of modern economics and a foundational figure in the development of capitalist thought. His seminal work, An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations (1776), articulates principles of free markets, individual self-interest, and limited government intervention, which are central to capitalism. Through concepts like the “invisible hand” and the division of labor, Smith explained how market-driven economies could generate wealth and prosperity.
These 15 quotes—sourced primarily from Wealth of Nations and, where relevant, The Theory of Moral Sentiments (1759)—focus on his insights related to capitalism, highlighting his views on trade, competition, self-interest, and economic freedom.
15 Adam Smith Capitalism Quotes
- “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.” (An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations, 1776, Book I, Chapter II)
- “Every individual… intends only his own gain, and he is in this, as in many other cases, led by an invisible hand to promote an end which was no part of his intention.” (Wealth of Nations, 1776, Book IV, Chapter II)
- “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.” (Wealth of Nations, 1776, Book I, Chapter II)
- “The division of labour… so far as it can be introduced, occasions, in every art, a proportionable increase of the productive powers of labour.” (Wealth of Nations, 1776, Book I, Chapter I)
- “The natural effort of every individual to better his own condition… is so powerful, that it is alone, and without any assistance, capable of carrying on the society to wealth and prosperity.” (Wealth of Nations, 1776, Book IV, Chapter V)
- “Consumption is the sole end and purpose of all production; and the interest of the producer ought to be attended to, only so far as it may be necessary for promoting that of the consumer.” (Wealth of Nations, 1776, Book IV, Chapter VIII)
- “The real and effectual discipline which is exercised over a workman is that of his customers. It is the fear of losing their employment which restrains his frauds and corrects his negligence.” (Wealth of Nations, 1776, Book I, Chapter X)
- “Every man is rich or poor according to the degree in which he can afford to enjoy the necessaries, conveniences, and amusements of human life.” (Wealth of Nations, 1776, Book I, Chapter V)
- “People of the same trade seldom meet together, even for merriment and diversion, but the conversation ends in a conspiracy against the public.” (Wealth of Nations, 1776, Book I, Chapter X)
- “The establishment of any new manufacture, of any new branch of commerce… is always a speculation, from which the projector promises himself extraordinary profits.” (Wealth of Nations, 1776, Book IV, Chapter II)
- “The real price of everything… is the toil and trouble of acquiring it.” (Wealth of Nations, 1776, Book I, Chapter V)
- “All money is a matter of belief.” (Wealth of Nations, 1776, Book IV, Chapter V)
- “No society can surely be flourishing and happy, of which the far greater part of the members are poor and miserable.” (Wealth of Nations, 1776, Book I, Chapter VIII)
- “To prohibit a great people… from making all that they can of every part of their own produce… is a manifest violation of the most sacred rights of mankind.” (Wealth of Nations, 1776, Book IV, Chapter VII)
- “How selfish soever man may be supposed, there are evidently some principles in his nature, which interest him in the fortune of others.” (The Theory of Moral Sentiments, 1759, Part I, Section I, Chapter I)
Adam Smith’s capitalism quotes are a masterful blend of economic insight and practical wisdom, championing the power of individual ambition and market dynamics while acknowledging the need for societal balance. They inspire economists, entrepreneurs, and policymakers to harness free markets for prosperity while remaining mindful of their limits. Which quote shapes your perspective on capitalism? Share it below and keep Smith’s economic vision alive!
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