John Kay / Wikimedia / Public Domain

Portrait of Smith by John Kay, 1790
16th Jun 1723 - 17th Jul 1790

Adam Smith

Adam Smith (1723–1790) was a Scottish philosopher and economist who is best known for his influential work "An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations" (1776). Often considered the father of modern economics, Smith championed the idea of free-market capitalism, emphasizing the role of self-interest and the "invisible hand" in guiding economic activity. He posited that individuals acting in their own self-interest unintentionally benefit society at large. Beyond economics, Smith's "The Theory of Moral Sentiments" (1759) delved into the nature of morality and human sympathy, showcasing the breadth of his intellectual contributions.

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