The Wealth of Nations

Published in 1776, The Wealth of Nations by Adam Smith is one of the most influential books in economic history. This groundbreaking work laid the intellectual foundation for free-market capitalism and introduced key concepts such as the division of labor, supply and demand, and the “invisible hand” of the market. Smith’s ideas revolutionized economic thought and continue to shape global policies and financial systems today. Smith argued that economic prosperity flourishes when individuals are free to pursue their own interests in a competitive market. He famously described the self-regulating nature of capitalism: “By pursuing his own interest he frequently promotes that of the society more effectually than when he really intends to promote it.” (The Wealth of Nations, 1776) One of his most…