What Adam Smith thinks about happiness
Scottish moral philosopher and economist (1723 to 1790); held the chair of moral philosophy at Glasgow University from 1752 to 1764; author of The Wealth of Nations.
Adam Smith did not write this page.
We collected these quotes from things they published elsewhere, and every quote links to where it was said. They have no account here and have not endorsed this site. Quotes are word for word; the short line under each one is our own restatement, not their wording. Their own site. Is this you? Claim it or ask us to remove it. Or tell us what is wrong here.
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Only Adam Smith on happiness. See everyone on happiness
5 dated positions, 1776 to c. 1759–1777, in their own words. Our reading of what Adam Smith has said — not written or endorsed by them.
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Our readingHowever selfish people may be, something in their nature makes others' happiness matter to them
Their wordsHow selfish soever man may be supposed, there are evidently some principles in his nature, which interest him in the fortune of others, and render their happiness necessary to him, though he derives nothing from it, except the pleasure of seeing it.
↗The Theory of Moral Sentiments (1759; Dublin printing of 1777)gutenberg.org All 20 from this book
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Their wordsThrough the whole of his life he pursues the idea of a certain artificial and elegant repose which he may never arrive at, for which he sacrifices a real tranquillity that is at all times in his power, and which, if in the extremity of old age he should at last attain to it, he will find to be in no respect preferable to that humble security and contentment which he had abandoned for it.
↗The Theory of Moral Sentiments (1759; Dublin printing of 1777)gutenberg.org All 20 from this book
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Our readingThe illusion that wealth brings happiness is good, because it keeps human industry in motion
Their wordsAnd it is well that nature imposes upon us in this manner. It is this deception which rouses and keeps in continual motion the industry of mankind.
↗The Theory of Moral Sentiments (1759; Dublin printing of 1777)gutenberg.org All 20 from this book
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Their wordsEvery man is rich or poor according to the degree in which he can afford to enjoy the necessaries, conveniencies, and amusements of human life.
↗An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nationsgutenberg.org All 7 from this book
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Their wordsNo society can surely be flourishing and happy, of which the far greater part of the members are poor and miserable. It is but equity, besides, that they who feed, clothe, and lodge the whole body of the people, should have such a share of the produce of their own labour as to be themselves tolerably well fed, clothed, and lodged.
↗An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nationsgutenberg.org All 7 from this book