After two centuries, Adam Smith remains a towering figure in the history of economic thought. Known primarily for a single work, An Inquiry into the nature an causes of the Wealth of Nations (1776), the first comprehensive system of political economy, Smith is more properly regarded as a social philosopher whose economic writings constitute only the capstone to an overarching view of political and social evolution. If his masterwork is viewed in relation to his earlier …showed first 75 words of 3873 total…

…showed last 75 words of 3873 total…but never sentimental image of society. Never so finely analytic as David Ricardo nor so stern and profound as Karl Marx, Smith is the very epitome of the Enlightenment: hopeful but realistic, speculative but practical, always respectful of the classical past but ultimately dedicated to the great discovery of his age - progress. BIBLIOGRAPHY: John Rae. "Life of Adam Smith" 1985 William Scott. "Adam Smith as Student and Professor" 1987 Andrew S. Skinner. "Essays on Adam Smith" 1988