Book · 2024 · Business & Economics
Adam Smith’s America
How a Scottish Philosopher Became an Icon of American Capitalism
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When we published a Freakonomics Radio series on Adam Smith a few years ago, we interviewed Glory Liu, a political scientist at Georgetown and author of a book called Adam Smith's America: How a Scottish philosopher became an icon of American capitalism.
Stephen Dubner · Freakonomics Radio · May 2026 Why people recommend it
Adam Smith’s America by Glory M. Liu is a detailed examination of how a Scottish philosopher and political economist became an enduring icon of American capitalism. On Freakonomics Radio, host Stephen Dubner frequently referenced the political scientist and her published work across multiple episodes. When introducing Glory Liu as a guest, Dubner highlighted her central argument that Adam Smith is frequently interpreted selectively by various groups, including the political right and left, as well as free market evangelists and their persistent critics. Dubner noted that Liu spent considerable time analyzing this intellectual contradiction and tracing how Smith's foundational ideas about markets and society were imported, adapted, and reinterpreted in the United States over the centuries. By examining the historical reception of Smith's writings, the book illuminates the complex relationship between classical economic theory and American political ideology. The podcast segments featuring Liu underscored the ongoing relevance of her research, demonstrating how historical figures are often co-opted to serve contemporary political narratives and how a deeper understanding of intellectual history can challenge prevailing assumptions about economic policy, capitalism, and the true legacy of the Enlightenment.
Every mention
Stephen Dubner When we published a Freakonomics Radio series on Adam Smith a few years ago, we interviewed Glory Liu, a po… 5
“When we published a Freakonomics Radio series on Adam Smith a few years ago, we interviewed Glory Liu, a political scientist at Georgetown and author of a book called Adam Smith's America: How a Scottish philosopher became an icon of American capitalism.”
“In her book, Liu argues that Adam Smith is often used selectively by the right, by the left, by free market evangelists, and by their critics.”
“the political scientist Glory Liu author of Adam Smith's America has spent a lot of time thinking about this contradiction”
“Glory Liu recently published a book called Adam Smith's America how a Scottish philosopher became an icon of American capitalism”
“Lou just published a book called Adam Smith's America how a Scottish philosopher became an icon of American capitalism”