Ryan Hanley, a political science professor and author, delves into Adam Smith's wisdom for leading a fulfilling life. He discusses the contrast between pursuing wealth and seeking wisdom and virtue. Love emerges as a key ingredient for happiness, emphasizing the importance of giving over receiving. Hanley also tackles how to transform philosophical insights into meaningful actions, critiquing social media's superficiality. Additionally, he reflects on the deep friendship between Smith and Hume, linking their legacies to contemporary moral philosophy.
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insights INSIGHT
Adam Smith's Focus
Adam Smith, known for "The Wealth of Nations," also deeply explored the good life.
His work delves into desire, virtue, friendship, and achieving tranquility.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Be Lovely, Not Just Loved
We desire not just to be loved, but to be deserving of love.
Focus on being someone who merits love, not just receiving it.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Give Love to Get Love
To become deserving of love, start by giving love to others.
Being loving is a step towards becoming worthy of receiving love.
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The Infidel and the Professor: The Friendship That Shaped Modern Thought
The Infidel and the Professor: The Friendship That Shaped Modern Thought
Dennis Rasmussen
My own life
David Hume
David Hume's autobiography, a concise and insightful account of his life and career as a philosopher.
The theory of moral sentiments
Adam Smith
Published in 1759, 'The Theory of Moral Sentiments' is Adam Smith's first major published work, based on his lectures at Glasgow University. The book argues that morality is driven by humanity's natural sociability and the need for approval from peers, rather than by rational calculation or innate moral sense. Smith introduces key concepts such as sympathy, the impartial spectator, and the invisible hand, which explain how individuals judge the conduct and character of themselves and others. The work delves into the emotional and social aspects of human behavior, highlighting the role of emotions like pity and compassion in shaping moral sentiments and behaviors[1][3][4].
The Wealth of Nations
Adam Smith
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.
On today's show, I talk with Ryan Patrick Hanley, the author of Our Great Purpose: Adam Smith on Living a Better Life. Adam Smith was a great scholar and writer who has much to share about how to achieve the life well-lived. Smith’s two great works, The Wealth of Nations (1776) and Theory of Moral Sentiments (1759) are classics, but they are also long and can be difficult reading at times. That’s where Ryan Hanley comes in. Professor Hanley translates Smith’s writing for a more modern reading and applies Smith’s teachings to our world today.
IN THIS EPISODE, YOU'LL LEARN:
Adam Smith’s advice for achieving the Good Life
Why most people seek wealth and fame when they should seek wisdom and virtue
The importance of love in a happy life
Why it’s more important to give love than to receive it
What steps we can take to get more out of life
Why Smith is still relevant today, and how we can apply his teachings
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The Good Life Podcast with Sean Murray 
