The Wealth of Nations (Unabridged‪)‬

Adam Smith’s The Wealth of Nations has influenced economic thinkers for generations. Smith was a firm believer that the economic progress of any nation was tied to free trade and the division of labor.

Although first published in 1776, this book became an important guide to economics during the industrial revolution. It was Smith’s belief that economic growth is automatic in a system free to regulate itself to a certain extent, though he does touch on some drawbacks to this type of economic system. Free trade encourages the few to make their fortunes at the expense of the many. Free from any regulation, the economy of a nation can be derailed with special interests and monopolies.