The Wealth of Nations
In 'The Wealth of Nations', Adam Smith unveils the intricate dynamics of economics and its impact on society. He argues that free markets, driven by individual self-interest, can lead to unprecedented prosperity. Smith introduces the concept of the 'invisible hand,' suggesting that personal ambitions can benefit the collective good. This groundbreaking work lays the foundation for modern economics, challenging prevailing mercantilist ideas. Dive into Smith's insights to uncover how economic forces shape our world and influence our everyday lives.
By Adam Smith
Published: 2018
"The real tragedy of the poor is the poverty of their aspirations."
Start Listening
What Readers Say About This Book
This seminal treatise on political economy and the foundation of the modern market economy was originally published in 1776. Its timeless views remain insightful and influential among politicians and economists.
The Mike & Casey Show
Dive into captivating book discussions with our expert hosts
Key Points from The Wealth of Nations
About the Author
Adam Smith
Adam Smith was an influential Scottish economist, philosopher, and author known for his groundbreaking work in the field of political economy. He is best known for his seminal books, 'The Theory of Moral Sentiments' (1759) and 'An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations' (1776), which laid the foundations for classical economics and introduced concepts such as the division of labor and the invisible hand. Smith's writing style is characterized by its clarity, eloquence, and intellectual rigor, making complex economic theories accessible to a wider audience. His ideas have had a profound and lasting impact on economic thought and policy.
Book Details
Key information about the book.
- Authors
- Adam Smith
- Published
- November 2018
- Publisher
- N/A
- ISBN
- 1731703619
- Language
- English
- Pages
- 482
- Genres
- Global EconomicsBusiness and EconomicsEconomic PolicyBehavioral Economics
Purchase Options
Buy on Amazon
Buy via BookShopSupport local bookstores: BookShop gives a portion of each sale to independent bookshops!
Similar books you might like →
Misbehaving: The Making of Behavioral Economics
Richard H. Thaler
The Gene
Siddhartha Mukherjee
Taking Charge of Your Fertility
Toni Weschler
To Pixar and Beyond
Lawrence Levy
The Rise and Fall of American Growth
Robert J. Gordon
Against the Gods
Peter L. Bernstein
How to Read a Book
Mortimer J. Adler, Charles Van Doren
Minimalist Baker's Everyday Cooking
Dana Shultz
Skin in the Game
Nassim Nicholas Taleb
Freakonomics
Steven D. Levitt, Stephen J. Dubner
Introduction to Econometrics
James H. Stock, Mark W. Watson
A History of Economic Theory
Jürg Niehans
The Misogyny Factor
Anne Summers
Free to Choose
Milton Friedman, Rose D. Friedman
Economics in One Lesson
Henry Hazlitt
The Journalist and the Murderer
Janet Malcolm
We Are Not Ourselves
Matthew Thomas
The Box
Marc Levinson
Memoirs and Misinformation
Jim Carrey, Dana Vachon
The Ascent of Money
Niall Ferguson
Sacred Economics
Charles Eisenstein
Narrative Economics
Robert J. Shiller
Essays in Persuasion
John Maynard Keynes
The New Financial Order
Robert J. Shiller
A Splendid Exchange
William J. Bernstein
The Great Escape
Angus Deaton
A Short History of Financial Euphoria
John Kenneth Galbraith
Beyond Ideology
Frances E. Lee
The Heralds of Valdemar
Mercedes Lackey
Take your reading experience to the next level
Download our mobile app to enjoy your favorite books on the go. Get access to exclusive features, offline listening, and personalized recommendations.
Book Collections you might like →
Chris Dixon's Book Recommendations
Chris Dixon is a notable venture capitalist and technology entrepreneur, best known for his influential role as a general partner at Andreessen Horowitz, where he leads investments in cryptocurrency and blockchain technology. Before joining the firm, Dixon co-founded two startups: SiteAdvisor, a web security company acquired by McAfee, and Hunch, a recommendation engine acquired by eBay. In addition to his investment career, Dixon is a prolific writer and thought leader on technology and innovation, contributing insightful essays and articles to various platforms such as his personal blog and Medium. His writings often explore the future of technology, the internet, and the impact of blockchain, making significant contributions to contemporary tech literature. Dixon's work has earned him recognition as a visionary in both the tech and literary worlds.
View Collection
David Heinemeier Hansson's Book Recommendations
David Heinemeier Hansson, also known as DHH, is a Danish programmer, entrepreneur, and author, best known as the creator of Ruby on Rails, a popular web application framework. Heinemeier Hansson is also a partner at Basecamp, a project management and collaboration software company he co-founded. His contributions to software development have earned him widespread recognition, with Ruby on Rails being used by thousands of developers and companies worldwide. Heinemeier Hansson is also a vocal advocate for remote work, simplicity in business, and sustainable work practices, ideas he explores in his bestselling books Rework and It Doesn’t Have to Be Crazy at Work. In addition to his work in tech, he is an accomplished race car driver, having competed in the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Heinemeier Hansson’s approach to work-life balance and entrepreneurship has made him a thought leader in the tech community, where he continues to challenge traditional business practices and advocate for more human-centered approaches to work
View Collection
Naval Ravikant's Book Recommendations
Naval Ravikant is an entrepreneur, angel investor, and philosopher, best known as the co-founder of AngelList, a platform that connects startups with investors. Ravikant is a prolific thinker and writer on topics such as startups, investing, and personal well-being, sharing his wisdom through essays, podcasts, and social media. He has invested in over 100 companies, including Uber, Twitter, and Yammer, making him one of Silicon Valley’s most successful angel investors. Ravikant is also known for his philosophical musings on wealth, happiness, and the meaning of life, which have garnered him a large and dedicated following.
View Collection
Alexey Moiseenkov's Book Recommendations
Alexey Moiseenkov is a Russian entrepreneur and tech innovator best known for creating Prisma, the groundbreaking mobile app that transforms photos into artworks using artificial intelligence. Though not primarily a literary figure, his work in AI and digital transformation has influenced contemporary discussions on the intersection of technology and art. Moiseenkov's contributions have been featured in various tech and innovation journals, highlighting his impact on modern digital culture. His work underscores the evolving narrative of creativity in the digital age, bridging the gap between artistic expression and technological advancement. Moiseenkov continues to inspire through his ongoing ventures in AI and entrepreneurship.
View Collection
Ben Shapiro's Book Recommendations
Ben Shapiro is an American conservative political commentator, author, and lawyer, known for his sharp analytical skills and outspoken views. He graduated from UCLA at the age of 20 and Harvard Law School at 23, demonstrating his early intellectual prowess. Shapiro is the author of several best-selling books including "Bullies: How the Left's Culture of Fear and Intimidation Silences Americans" and "The Right Side of History: How Reason and Moral Purpose Made the West Great." He is the co-founder and editor emeritus of The Daily Wire, a popular conservative news and opinion website. Through his writing and media presence, Shapiro has significantly influenced contemporary political discourse in the United States.
View Collection
Nassim Nicholas Taleb's Book Recommendations
Nassim Nicholas Taleb is a Lebanese-American author, scholar, and risk analyst, best known for his work on uncertainty, probability, and risk. His books, including The Black Swan and Antifragile, explore how rare and unpredictable events shape the world and how individuals and systems can become more resilient to shocks. Taleb’s insights on risk management have influenced fields ranging from finance to medicine, and he is known for his outspoken criticism of conventional wisdom. His ideas about randomness, decision-making, and the limitations of human knowledge have made him a leading thinker in modern economics and philosophy.
View Collection
Nat Eliason's Book Recommendations
Nat Eliason is an influential writer, entrepreneur, and educator known for his insightful work on personal growth, productivity, and digital marketing. He founded Growth Machine, a successful SEO and content marketing agency that has helped numerous companies expand their online presence. Eliason's thought-provoking articles on his blog cover a wide range of topics, from philosophy to health, attracting a large and engaged audience. Additionally, he authored "Effortless Output with Roam," a comprehensive guide on using the Roam Research tool for knowledge management. Through his diverse contributions, Eliason has established himself as a significant voice in the realms of self-improvement and digital strategy.
View Collection
Elon Musk's Book Recommendations
Elon Musk is an influential entrepreneur and innovator known for founding and leading several groundbreaking companies, including Tesla, SpaceX, Neuralink, and The Boring Company. He has played a pivotal role in advancing electric vehicles, space exploration, and renewable energy. Musk's vision extends to colonizing Mars and reducing the risk of human extinction through space travel. In addition to his technological contributions, he has co-authored the book "Spacex: Making Commercial Spaceflight a Reality," providing insights into his ambitious projects and vision for the future. Musk's relentless pursuit of innovation continues to shape the trajectory of multiple industries.
View Collection
Changpeng Zhao's Book Recommendations
Changpeng Zhao, commonly known as "CZ," is a prominent figure in the cryptocurrency world and the founder and CEO of Binance, the world's largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume. Although not a traditional literary figure, Zhao has significantly contributed to the understanding and proliferation of blockchain technology through numerous articles, interviews, and public speaking engagements. His insights and leadership have been instrumental in shaping modern digital finance. Zhao's journey from coding at Bloomberg to creating Binance has been documented in various publications, shedding light on the transformative potential of cryptocurrencies. Through his work, CZ continues to influence both the financial and technological landscapes globally.
View Collection
Eric Weinstein's Book Recommendations
Eric Weinstein is an accomplished American mathematician, economist, and writer, known for his influential work in the fields of geometric unity and economic theory. As the Managing Director of Thiel Capital, he has significantly impacted the financial and technological sectors. Weinstein is also renowned for his thought-provoking discussions on the podcast "The Portal," where he explores complex scientific and social issues. He has written extensively on a variety of topics, contributing to both academic and popular literature. His unique perspectives and interdisciplinary approach have earned him recognition as a leading intellectual voice of his generation.
View Collection
Bill Gates's Book Recommendations
Bill Gates, co-founder of Microsoft Corporation, is a pioneering figure in the tech industry, having played a key role in the personal computer revolution. His work at Microsoft, particularly the development of Windows, transformed software and computing globally. Beyond his technology contributions, Gates is also a prolific author, with notable works such as "The Road Ahead" and "Business @ the Speed of Thought," which offer insights into the future of technology and business. Additionally, his philanthropic efforts through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation have had a profound impact on global health, education, and poverty. Gates continues to influence both technology and literature with his forward-thinking perspectives and innovative ideas.
View Collection
Charles Koch's Book Recommendations
Charles Koch is an American businessman and philanthropist, best known as the Chairman and CEO of Koch Industries, one of the largest privately held companies in the world. Beyond his business acumen, Koch has made significant contributions to literature, particularly in the field of economics and management. His book "The Science of Success" outlines his philosophy of Market-Based Management, a framework for business success that has influenced many entrepreneurs. Additionally, his co-authored work "Good Profit" delves into creating value for society through principled entrepreneurship. Koch's writings emphasize the importance of innovation, free markets, and a principled approach to business.
View Collection
Mohnish Pabrai's Book Recommendations
Mohnish Pabrai is an acclaimed investor, author, and philanthropist, best known for his investment firm, Pabrai Investment Funds, which has delivered impressive returns since its inception in 1999. He is deeply influenced by Warren Buffett and Charlie Munger, adopting their value investing principles. Pabrai authored the influential book "The Dhandho Investor," which provides insights into his unique investment philosophy drawn from the business acumen of Indian entrepreneurs. He is also a notable philanthropist, co-founding the Dakshana Foundation, which focuses on alleviating poverty through education. Pabrai's work has significantly impacted both the investment world and the field of educational philanthropy.
View Collection
Bernie Sanders's Book Recommendations
Bernie Sanders is an American politician and U.S. Senator from Vermont, known for his progressive policies and his advocacy for economic equality. Sanders ran for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2016 and 2020, inspiring a movement with his calls for Medicare for All, free college tuition, and a $15 minimum wage. He identifies as a democratic socialist and has been a long-standing advocate for labor rights, environmental justice, and social welfare programs. Sanders’ candidacy energized a new generation of activists and has had a lasting influence on the direction of the Democratic Party. His focus on income inequality and social justice continues to shape political discourse in the U.S.
View Collection
Brian Tracy's Book Recommendations
Brian Tracy is a renowned Canadian-American motivational speaker, self-development author, and business consultant. He has written over 70 books, including bestsellers like "Eat That Frog!" and "The Psychology of Achievement," which have been translated into dozens of languages. Tracy's work primarily focuses on personal success, leadership, time management, and sales strategies. He has also delivered over 5,000 speeches and seminars around the world, inspiring millions to improve their lives and careers. His practical advice and actionable insights have cemented his reputation as a leading authority in personal and professional development.
View Collection
Raoul Pal's Book Recommendations
Raoul Pal is a British economist, investment strategist, and co-founder of Real Vision, a financial media company that provides in-depth analysis of global markets and economies. Pal is known for his insights on macroeconomics, cryptocurrency, and investment trends, often sharing his expertise through interviews, reports, and documentaries. Before founding Real Vision, Pal worked at Goldman Sachs and managed a global macro hedge fund. He is a strong advocate for decentralized finance (DeFi) and frequently discusses the future of digital currencies and blockchain technology. His forward-thinking perspectives on finance have earned him a large following among investors and financial professionals.
View Collection
Nick Szabo's Book Recommendations
Nick Szabo is a computer scientist, cryptographer, and legal scholar, best known for his pioneering work on digital contracts and cryptocurrency. Szabo is credited with developing the concept of “smart contracts,” which are self-executing contracts with the terms of the agreement directly written into code. His early work in digital currency, including his project Bit Gold, laid the groundwork for the development of Bitcoin and blockchain technology. Szabo is a prominent figure in the cryptocurrency community and continues to advocate for the use of decentralized systems to enhance privacy, security, and trust online. His contributions to cryptography and digital currencies have made him a foundational figure in the world of blockchain.
View Collection“The real tragedy of the poor is the poverty of their aspirations.”
The Wealth of Nations
By Adam Smith
Frequently Asked Questions
Explore Our Catalogue
Discover a world of knowledge through our extensive collection of book summaries.