Adam Smith

As in the common degree of the intellectual qualities, there is no abilities; so in the common degree of the moral, there is no virtue. Virtue is excellence

Adam Smith

Even such general complaints of the scarcity of money do not always prove that the usual number of gold and silver pieces are not circulating in the country, but that many people want those pieces who have nothing to give for them.

Adam Smith

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.

Adam Smith

Great ambition, the desire of real superiority, of leading and directing, seems to be altogether peculiar to man, and speech is the great instrument of ambition.

Adam Smith

Happiness never lays its finger on its pulse.

Adam Smith

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.

Adam Smith

It must always be remembered, however, that it is the luxurious, and not the necessary expence of the inferior ranks of people, that ought ever to be taxed.

Adam Smith

It was not by gold or by silver, but by labour, that all wealthy of the world was originally purchased.

Adam Smith

Man naturally desires, not only to be loved, but to be lovely; or to be that thing which is the natural and proper object of love.

Adam Smith

Never complain of that of which it is at all times in your power to rid yourself.

Adam Smith