Working Your Way to Happiness

In this book, Barry Schwartz dispels the myth that the reason we work is primarily for a paycheck. He explores why many people are dissatisfied with their work despite good compensation and how some find fulfillment in 'menial' jobs. Through studies and anecdotes, Schwartz shows how work operates in our culture and how it can be made more meaningful. He argues that the root of good work cannot be incentivized by money and that attempts to do so often lead to bad work. The book guides readers on how to find their own path to happiness in the workplace by focusing on autonomy, investment in skills, and a sense of mission.

Published in 1776, 'The Wealth of Nations' is Adam Smith's magnum opus that laid the groundwork for modern economics. The book critiques mercantilist economic theories and introduces the concept of the 'invisible hand,' which describes how individual self-interest leads to societal benefit. It emphasizes the division of labor, the accumulation of capital, and the importance of free markets. Smith argues that a nation's wealth is not measured by its gold and silver reserves but by the stream of goods and services it produces. The book also outlines the core functions of government, such as maintaining defense, enforcing civil law, and promoting education, while advocating for limited government intervention in market activities.