Episode 1160
Join us as we explore the life of the Scottish philosopher often hailed as the "father of economics" and the "father of capitalism". We trace his journey from his birth in Kirkcaldy—where he was briefly abducted by Romani at age three—to his time as a professor at the University of Glasgow and his travels through Europe as a tutor.
In this episode, we dismantle the myths surrounding Smith’s legacy. While famous for the concept of the "invisible hand," Smith actually used the phrase only three times across all his writings. We examine the relationship between his two magnum opuses: The Theory of Moral Sentiments, which grounds morality in mutual sympathy, and The Wealth of Nations, which outlines how the division of labor and self-interest drive prosperity.
Far from being a dogmatic supporter of pure laissez-faire capitalism, Smith advocated for public education, infrastructure, and a justice system supported by taxes that required the rich to contribute "something more" than their proportion. We also discuss his eccentric personality—described as comically absent-minded, he once walked into a tanning pit while discussing free trade—and his dying wish to have his unpublished manuscripts destroyed.
Published on 3 days ago
If you like Podbriefly.com, please consider donating to support the ongoing development.
Donate