The Wealth of Nations by Adam Smith

Name: The Wealth of Nations
Author: Adam Smith

The work is a comprehensive treatise on economics, focusing on the nature and causes of wealth. It begins by examining the division of labor and its effects on productivity. The author argues that economic growth is driven by specialization and trade. The book is divided into five books. Book I discusses the concept of value and the origin of money. Book II examines the causes of improvements in productive powers, including the division of labor and technological advancements. Book III focuses on the nature of commerce and its effects on society. The author argues that commerce promotes economic growth by increasing productivity and reducing costs. Book IV explores the role of government in economic affairs, arguing that excessive government intervention can hinder economic growth. Book V discusses the history of trade and the benefits of free trade. The work concludes with a discussion of the importance of economic freedom and the dangers of mercantilism.

By Adam Smith · First published 1776 · Genre: Economics, Political Philosophy, Social Science · 32 chapters

Of the Division of Labour
Of the Division of Stock
Of the Natural Progress of Opulence
Of the Principle of the Commercial or Mercantile System
Of the Expenses of the Sovereign or Commonwealth
Of the Principle which Gives Occasion to the Division of Labour
Of Money Considered as a Particular Branch of the General Stock of the Society, or of the Expense of Maintaining the National Capital
Of the Discouragement of Agriculture in the Ancient State of Europe after the Fall of the Roman Empire
Of Restraints Upon the Importation from Foreign Countries of such Goods as can be Produced at Home
Of the Sources of the General or Public Revenue of the Society
That the Division of Labour is Limited by the Extent of the Market
Of the Accumulation of Capital, or of Productive and Unproductive Labour
Of the Rise and Progress of Cities and Towns, after the Fall of the Roman Empire
Of the Extraordinary Restraints Upon the Importation of Goods of Almost all Kinds, from those Countries with which the Balance is Supposed to be Disadvantageous
Of Public Debts
Of the Origin and Use of Money
Of Stock Lent at Interest
How the Commerce of the Towns Contributed to the Improvement of the Country
Of Drawbacks
Of the Real and Nominal Price of Commodities, or of their Price in Labour, and their Price in Money
Of the Different Employment of Capitals
Of Bounties
Of the Component Parts of the Price of Commodities
Of Treaties of Commerce
Of the Natural and Market Price of Commodities
Of Colonies
Of the Wages of Labour
Conclusion of the Mercantile System
Of the Profits of Stock
Of the Agricultural Systems, or of those Systems of Political Œconomy, which Represent the Produce of Land as Either the Sole or the Principal Source of the Revenue and Wealth of Every Country
Of Wages and Profit in the Different Employments of Labour and Stock
Of the Rent of Land

The Wealth of Nations by Adam Smith

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