Man, an animal that makes bargains.
ADAM SMITHMan, an animal that makes bargains.
ADAM SMITHLabour was the first price, the original purchase – money that was paid for all things. It was not by gold or by silver, but by labour, that all wealth of the world was originally purchased.
ADAM SMITHThe rate of profit is naturally low in rich and high in poor countries, and it is always highest in the countries which are going fastest to ruin.
ADAM SMITHThe greatest improvement in the productive powers of labour, and the greater part of the skill, dexterity, and judgment with which it is anywhere directed, or applied, seem to have been the effects of the division of labour.
ADAM SMITHHe is led by an invisible hand to promote an end which was no part of his intention.
ADAM SMITHIt is unjust that the whole of society should contribute towards an expence of which the benefit is confined to a part of the society.
ADAM SMITHAll money is a matter of belief.
ADAM SMITHThe great secret of education is to direct vanity to proper objects.
ADAM SMITHIt must always be remembered, however, that it is the luxuries, and not the necessary expense of the inferior ranks of people, that ought ever to be taxed.
ADAM SMITHConsumption is the sole end and purpose of all production; and the interest of the producer ought to be attended to, only so far as it may be necessary for promoting that of the consumer.
ADAM SMITHCorn is a necessary, silver is only a superfluity.
ADAM SMITHNever complain of that of which it is at all times in your power to rid yourself.
ADAM SMITHThe learned ignore the evidence of their senses to preserve the coherence of the ideas of their imagination.
ADAM SMITHLittle else is requisite to carry a state to the highest degree of opulence from the lowest barbarism but peace, easy taxes, and a tolerable administration of justice: all the rest being brought about by the natural course of things.
ADAM SMITHMan is an animal that makes bargains: no other animal does this – no dog exchanges bones with another.
ADAM SMITHIt is the highest impertinence and presumption, therefore, in kings and ministers to pretend to watch over the economy of private people, and to restrain their expense. They are themselves, always, and without any exception, the greatest spendthrifts in the society.
ADAM SMITH