I take the ideas in Smith’s little-known masterpiece, The Theory of Moral Sentiments and apply them to the modern world—lessons for work, family, friendship, and how to live the good life.
Can economists teach us how to live a good life? When the economists in question are Adam Smith and Russ Roberts, the answer is a definitive yes. This is a fun, fascinating, and original book that will challenge you to become a better version of yourself.
A great book. Makes you feel better about life, humanity, and yourself. Like having a conversation and a scotch with Adam Smith, or even better, Russ Roberts.
Russ Roberts has done us all a great service in capturing the essence of Smith’s wisdom about the emotional and psychological foundations of both the good life and a successful economy. This book is a pleasure to read and, what’s more, Adam Smith almost certainly can change your life.
Russ Roberts has taken a brilliant but difficult classic—Smith’s Theory of Moral Sentiments—and written an engaging and inspiring meditation on virtue, friendship, and happiness. The result is a wonderful guide to living a good life.
Adam Smith was not just an economist; he also had penetrating insights into human nature that informed his rich, subtle, and revolutionary approach to moral philosophy. Russ Roberts combines a deep understanding of what Smith was on about with a fluent writing style to bring out the surprisingly modern implications of Smith’s thinking.
