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Freakonomics Radio

525. In Search of the Real Adam Smith

Dec 8, 2022
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46:42

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Quick takeaways

  • Adam Smith's ideas went beyond economics, exploring the human condition and the role of empathy and sympathy in human interactions.
  • Scotland's economic boom in the 18th century, coupled with an intellectual flourishing, shaped Adam Smith's influential contributions to moral philosophy and economics.

Deep dives

Adam Smith: More Than an Economist

Adam Smith, an 18th-century economist, was much more than just a proponent of free markets. He believed in free markets and a free society, but his ideas went beyond economics. Smith's philosophical work explored the human condition, delving into what drives people and their moral sentiments. He recognized that material wealth can corrupt moral sentiments and emphasized the importance of empathy and sympathy in human interactions. Smith's ideas influenced not only economics but also politics, and his works, including 'The Wealth of Nations' and 'The Theory of Moral Sentiments,' continue to resonate today.

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