Episode · Freakonomics Radio · 2023-01-04
Books mentioned on Can Adam Smith Fix Our Economy? | Freakonomics Radio | Episode 527
John Ewell discussed The Wealth of Nations by Adam Smith and The Theory of Moral Sentiments by Adam Smith. Stephen Dubner discussed Adam Smith’s America by Glory M. Liu. Also mentioned: Sapiens by Yuval Noah Harari.
Books mentioned, in the order they came up
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The Wealth of Nations
The Wealth of Nations by Adam Smith is a foundational text of classical economics published in 1776 that explores market dynamics, the division of labor, and the nature of national prosperity.
Discussed“and as most people you would find actually don't know they know about The Wealth of Nations and they know that Margaret Thatcher the enemy always had a copy of Wealth of Nations the legend goes in her handbag”
Where to get it
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The Theory of Moral Sentiments
The Theory of Moral Sentiments by Adam Smith is a seminal 1759 work of moral philosophy that examines the psychological foundations of human judgment, empathy, and social order.
Discussed“she didn't read the first book the theory of moral sentiments clearly but she read the second one”
Where to get it
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Adam Smith’s America
Adam Smith’s America by Glory M.
Discussed“the political scientist Glory Liu author of Adam Smith's America has spent a lot of time thinking about this contradiction”
Where to get it
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Sapiens
Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari is a sweeping exploration of how Homo sapiens evolved, dominated the planet, and constructed complex imaginary orders like religion, money, and nations.
Discussed“I'm not sure it's self-confidence; at least when I wrote Sapiens, I didn't take myself or the project too seriously. I thought, sure, I might make some terrible mistakes, but that's fine.”
Where to get it
Other mentions in this episode (5) — ad reads, self-promotion and passing references, never counted
“At its peak, which was around the mid-18th century when Adam Smith was writing The Wealth of Nations, the East India Company controlled...”
“It was in this 17th century building that Smith completed the final editions of his two masterworks: The Theory of Moral Sentiments and, of course, The Wealth of Nations.”
“It was in this 17th century building that Smith completed the final editions of his two masterworks: The Theory of Moral Sentiments and, of course, The Wealth of Nations.”
“I'm sure he'd have risen with the sun and done some work on his revisions to The Theory of Moral Sentiments and The Wealth of Nations before he put on his dress coat and wandered up Edinburgh's beautiful Royal Mile.”
“I'm sure he'd have risen with the sun and done some work on his revisions to The Theory of Moral Sentiments and The Wealth of Nations before he put on his dress coat and wandered up Edinburgh's beautiful Royal Mile.”