"The invisible hand is not a magical force, but a metaphor for the unintended social benefits of individual self-interested actions."

"The desire of appearing to be wealthy, may be called the great motive to industry and frugality, and the great cause of the accumulation of capital."

"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."

"Labour alone, therefore, never varying in its own value, is alone the ultimate and real standard by which the value of all commodities can at all times and places be estimated and compared. It is thei…"

"Little else is requisite to carry a state to the highest degree of opulence from the lowest barbarism, but peace, easy taxes, and a tolerable administration of justice; all the rest being brought abou…"