“That the chance of gain is naturally over-valued, we may learn from the universal success of lotteries.”
Source: An inquiry into the nature and causes of the wealth of nations
“We are delighted to find a person who values us as we value ourselves, and distinguishes us from the rest of mankind, with an attention not unlike that with which we distinguish ourselves.”
Source: The Theory of Moral Sentiments
“In this consists the difference between the character of a miser and that of a person of exact economy and assiduity. The one is anxious about small matters for their own sake; the other attends to them only in consequence of the scheme of life which he has laid down to himself.”
Source: The Theory of Moral Sentiments: Or, An Essay Towards an Analysis of the Principles by which Men Naturally Judge Concerning the Conduct and Character, First of Their Neighbours, and Afterwards of Themselves. To which is Added, a Dissertation on the Origin of Languages
“By nature a philosopher is not in genius and disposition half so different from a street porter, as a mastiff is from a greyhound”
Source: An inquiry into the nature and causes of the wealth of nations
“It is the natural effect of improvement, however, to diminish gradually the real price of almost all manufactures.”
Source: The Wealth of Nations: the Great Master
“The interest of the dealers, however, in any particular branch of trade or manufactures, is always in some respects different from, and even opposite to, that of the public. To widen the market and to narrow the competition, is always the interest of the dealers.”
Source: An inquiry into the nature and causes of the wealth of nations
“It seldom happens, however, that a great proprietor is a great improver.”
Source: The Wealth of Nations: the Great Master
“Avarice and injustice are always shortsighted, and they did not foresee how much this regulation must obstruct improvement, and thereby hurt in the long-run the real interest of the landlord.”
Source: Wealth of Nations (Abridged)
“But what all the violence of the feudal institutions could never have effected, the silent and insensible operation of foreign commerce and manufactures gradually brought about.”
Source: The Wealth of Nations: An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations
“It is not for its own sake that men desire money, but for the sake of what they can purchase with it.”
Source: The Wealth of Nations: An Inquiry Into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations: With an introduction by Jonathan B. Wight, University of Richmond