Adam Smith

"In the great mercantile state, self-interest becomes the engine of mutual benefit."

"The beautiful and noble works of art are the monuments of the wisdom and virtue of their respective ages."

"To expect that the freedom of trade should ever be entirely restored is as absurd as to expect that an Oceana or Utopia should ever be established."

"In the midst of the bustle and tumult of public affairs, it is often difficult for a man to preserve his integrity and virtue."

"The real worth of a man is determined not by his station in life, but by the integrity of his character."

"Beneficence is always free, it cannot be extorted by force."

"When custom and fashion do not interfere, we can distinguish the excellent from the deficient with surprising accuracy."

"A man who has neither wife nor children to care for may very well be excused from taking an active part in public affairs."

"The great security of the wealth of a state depends upon the stability of its laws and institutions."

"Time and experience gradually reform the sentiments of mankind."

"The natural effort of every individual to better his own condition is the principal force that accumulates wealth and power."

"The study of history teaches us that the passions of men have always been the same."

"Division of labour increases the productive power of labour and the dexterity of the workman."

"The human mind naturally abhors the appearance of inconsistency."

"Generosity consists not in the quantity given, but in the propriety of the gift."

"A man of no imagination shall have no rewards; he shall pass through life in obscurity."

"The desire of being believed, the desire of persuading, of leading and directing other people, seems to be one of the strongest of all our natural desires."

"The wealth of nations is measured not in gold but in the industry and skill of its people."

"Those who have read deeply in books are seldom improved much by them; those who read little may be much improved."

"The real source of inequality lies not in nature but in society and the institutions which men have created."

"We may often be less prudent than our competitors, but we may be more honest."

"The great source of both the misery and disorders of human life, seems to arise from over-rating the difference between one permanent situation and another."

"In the long run, the market is a school of virtue; those who cheat will eventually be found out."

"To be greatly esteemed, it is not sufficient that a man should possess great talents; he must also cultivate the habits of virtuous conduct."

"The administration of justice is the supreme function of government; without it, no society can endure."

"Self-love is the governing principle of every human action."

"When men of superior rank and fortune look down with contempt upon those below them, the unity of society is destroyed."

"Literature and science are the natural guardians of the human spirit against ignorance and superstition."

"The invisible hand works best when men are free to pursue their own interests within a framework of just laws."

"A man of narrow mind cannot be capable of great virtues."