Adam Smith

Great nations are never impoverished by private, though they sometimes are by public prodigality and misconduct.

Adam Smith

He is led by an invisible hand to promote an end which was no part of his intention.

Adam Smith

Humanity is the virtue of a woman, generosity that of a man.

Adam Smith

I am always willing to run some hazard of being tedious, in order to be sure that I am perspicuous.

Adam Smith

I have never known much good done by those who affected to trade for the public good.

Adam Smith

In ease of body and peace of mind, all the different ranks of life are nearly upon the same level, and the beggar who suns himself by the highway, possesses that security which kings are fighting for.

Adam Smith

Labor was the first price, the original purchase – money that was paid for all things.

Adam Smith

Man is an animal that makes bargains: no other animal does this – no dog exchanges bones with another.

Adam Smith

Masters are always and everywhere in a sort of tacit, but constant and uniform combination, not to raise the wages of labor.

Adam Smith

Men desire to have some share in the management of public affairs chiefly on account of the importance which it gives them.

Adam Smith