How Adam Smith Can Change Your Life

More about the book

A forgotten work by one of history's greatest thinkers uncovers surprising links between happiness, virtue, fame, and fortune. Adam Smith, known as the patron saint of capitalism for his seminal work, The Wealth of Nations, also profoundly explored human behavior in his lesser-known book, The Theory of Moral Sentiments. Despite its significance, many economists have overlooked this masterpiece. Russ Roberts, initially among them, discovered it to be a remarkable self-help guide. In his exploration, Roberts reveals a wealth of timeless wisdom from Smith that remains relevant today. The text addresses essential questions: What does it mean to be truly happy? Should we seek fame and fortune or prioritize the respect of loved ones? How can we contribute positively to society? Smith's unexpected insights, contextualized with contemporary events, literature, and pop culture, are both profound and entertaining. By reviving this neglected classic, Roberts offers a fresh perspective on human behavior through Smith's lens. With a blend of fun and insight, he challenges readers to improve themselves, demonstrating that economists like Smith can indeed guide us toward a fulfilling life. Russ Roberts is a research fellow at Stanford's Hoover Institution and hosts the award-winning podcast EconTalk.