Economics

The Wealth of Nations

Adam Smith · 1776

Lindy Score

19,184·Ancient

250 yrs

Age

7

Endorsers

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Why it endured

The founding document of modern economics. Smith's invisible hand, division of labor, and analysis of free markets created the intellectual framework for capitalism. Still the most complete account of how markets actually work and why they mostly do.

What they're saying

7 people recommend this book

Charlie MungerVice Chairman of Berkshire Hathaway

Adam Smith was a genius. The Wealth of Nations is the best single book ever written on how economies work.

Poor Charlie's Almanack

Warren BuffettCEO of Berkshire Hathaway

Adam Smith understood markets better than most economists today. The Wealth of Nations is still the best foundation.

Interview

Nassim Nicholas TalebAuthor & risk analyst

Adam Smith had skin in the game. He observed markets directly and wrote honestly about what he saw.

Skin in the Game

Naval RavikantEntrepreneur & philosopher

The Wealth of Nations is the foundation of everything worth understanding about markets. Adam Smith saw how voluntary exchange creates prosperity without central direction.

Podcast

Elon MuskCEO of Tesla & SpaceX

The Wealth of Nations — essential reading for understanding how economies actually work. Smith's insights about specialization and exchange are still underappreciated.

Twitter

Neil deGrasse TysonAstrophysicist & science communicator

The Wealth of Nations by Smith, to learn that capitalism is an economy of greed, a force of nature unto itself.

reddit.com
Ryan HolidayAuthor & Stoic philosopher

Adam Smith who was the economist, he wrote the Wealth of Nations but he also wrote a book called the Theory of Moral Sentiments which is this sort of brilliant book about philosophy and kind of like why we do the right thing.

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