(1723-1790)

Who Was Adam Smith?

Adam Smith was an economist and philosopher who wrote what is considered the “bible of capitalism,” The Wealth of Nations, in which he details the first system of political economy.

Early Years

While his exact date of birth isn’t known, Smith’s baptism was recorded on June 5, 1723, in Kirkcaldy, Scotland. He attended the Burgh School, where he studied Latin, mathematics, history and writing. Smith entered the University of Glasgow when he was 14 and in 1740 went to Oxford.

Economics

‘Wealth of Nations’

After toiling for nine years, in 1776, Smith published An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations (usually shortened to The Wealth of Nations), which is thought of as the first work dedicated to the study of political economy. Economics of the time were dominated by the idea that a country’s wealth was best measured by its store of gold and silver. Smith proposed that a nation’s wealth should be judged not by this metric but by the total of its production and commerce—today known as the gross domestic product (GDP). He also explored theories of the division of labor, an idea dating back to Plato, through which specialization would lead to a qualitative increase in productivity.

Main Beliefs and “Invisible Hand”

Smith’s ideas are a reflection on economics in light of the beginning of the Industrial Revolution, and he states that free-market economies (i.e., capitalist ones) are the most productive and beneficial to their societies. He goes on to argue for an economic system based on individual self-interest led by an “invisible hand,” which would achieve the greatest good for all.

In time, The Wealth of Nations won Smith a far-reaching reputation, and the work, considered a foundational work of classical economics, is one of the most influential books ever written.

Professional Life

In 1748, Smith began giving a series of public lectures at the University of Edinburgh. Through these lectures, in 1750 he met and became lifelong friends with Scottish philosopher and economist David Hume. This relationship led to Smith’s appointment to the Glasgow University faculty in 1751.

More Books by Adam Smith

In 1759, Smith published The Theory of Moral Sentiments, a book whose main contention is that human morality depends on sympathy between the individual and other members of society. On the heels of the book, he became the tutor of the future Duke of Buccleuch (1763–1766) and traveled with him to France, where Smith met with other eminent thinkers of his day, such as Benjamin Franklin and French economist Turgot.

Smith’s other writings include Lectures on Justice, Police, Revenue, and Arms (1763), which was first published in 1896, and Essays on Philosophical Subjects (1795). Both works were published posthumously.

Death

In 1787, Smith was named rector of the University of Glasgow, and he died just three years later, at the age of 67.

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QUICK FACTS

• Name: Adam Smith
• Birth Year: 1723
• Birth date: June 5, 1723
• Birth City: Kirkcaldy
• Birth Country: Scotland
• Gender: Male
• Best Known For: Scottish social philosopher and political economist Adam Smith wrote ‘The Wealth of Nations’ and achieved the first comprehensive system of political economy.
• Industries
• Politics and Government
• Business and Industry
• Education and Academia
• Astrological Sign: Gemini
• Schools
• University of Oxford
• University of Glasgow
• Burgh School
• Death Year: 1790
• Death date: July 17, 1790
• Death City: Edinburgh
• Death Country: United Kingdom

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CITATION INFORMATION

• Article Title: Adam Smith Biography
• Author: Biography.com Editors
• Website Name: The Biography.com website
• Url: https://www.biography.com/scholars-educators/adam-smith
• Access Date:
• Publisher: A&E; Television Networks
• Last Updated: April 15, 2021
• Original Published Date: April 2, 2014