# Adam Smith
Who / What
Adam Smith was a Scottish economist and philosopher active during the 18th century. He is widely regarded as a foundational figure in the field of political economy and a key proponent of the Scottish Enlightenment.
Background & History
Born in 1723 in Scotland, Smith emerged as a prominent intellectual during the period known as the Scottish Enlightenment. His career was marked by the publication of two seminal works: *The Theory of Moral Sentiments* in 1759 and *An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations* in 1776. The latter work, in particular, established the groundwork for modern economics as an academic discipline.
Why Notable
Adam Smith is notable for being considered the "father of economics" or the "father of capitalism." His book *The Wealth of Nations* systematized economic thought and is viewed as the starting point for comprehensive economic scholarship. His ideas on free markets, division of labor, and the "invisible hand" have had a profound and lasting impact on economic theory and policy.
In the News
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