It is not by augmenting the capital of the country, but by rendering a greater part of that capital active and productive than would otherwise be so, that the most judicious operations of banking can increase the industry of the country. Adam Smith activeaugmentbank share on social
I have never known much good done by those who affected to trade for the public good. Adam Smith affectgoodpublic Change image and share on social
Great ambition, the desire of real superiority, of leading and directing, seems to be altogether peculiar to man, and speech is the great instrument of ambition. Adam Smith altogetherambitiondesire Change image and share on social
Labour was the first price, the original purchase - money that was paid for all things. It was not by gold or by silver, but by labour, that all wealth of the world was originally purchased. Adam Smith goldlabourmoney Change image and share on social
The propensity to truck, barter and exchange one thing for another is common to all men, and to be found in no other race of animals. Adam Smith animalbartercommon Change image and share on social
Consumption is the sole end and purpose of all production; and the interest of the producer ought to be attended to, only so far as it may be necessary for promoting that of the consumer. Adam Smith attendconsumerconsumption Change image and share on social
Humanity is the virtue of a woman, generosity that of a man. Adam Smith generosityhumanityman Change image and share on social
The theory that can absorb the greatest number of facts, and persist in doing so, generation after generation, through all changes of opinion and detail, is the one that must rule all observation. Adam Smith absorbdetailfact Change image and share on social
The real and effectual discipline which is exercised over a workman is that of his customers. It is the fear of losing their employment which restrains his frauds and corrects his negligence. Adam Smith correctcustomerdiscipline Change image and share on social
Labor was the first price, the original purchase - money that was paid for all things. Adam Smith labormoneyoriginal Change image and share on social
