The Wealth of Nations
by Adam Smith
The 1776 founding text: division of labor, the invisible hand, free trade, the dangers of merchants conspiring. Long; the early books are readable and still surprising.
Read it if…
you want the source rather than the summary.
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Skip it if…
you want a modern treatment.
Try instead: Capitalism and Freedom →
Three things you will actually use
- Division of labor creates wealth.
- Self-interest coordinates through markets.
- Beware businessmen asking for favors.
Do this first
Read Book I, the pin factory and the division of labor.
Our verdict
Smith, the original.
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