The effects of the division of labour, in the general business of society, will be more easily
understood, by considering in what manner it operates in some particular manufactures. It is
commonly supposed to be carried furthest in some very trifling ones; not perhaps that it
really is carried further in them than in others of more importance: but in those trifling
manufactures which are destined to supply the small wants of but a small number of people,
the whole number of workmen must necessarily be small; and those employed in every …

The Wealth of Nations is a treasured classic of political economy. First published in March of
1776, Adam Smith wrote the book to influence a special audience-the British Parliament-and
its arguments in the early spring of that year pressed for peace and cooperation with Britain's
colonies rather than war. Smith's message was that economic exploitation, through the
monopoly trade of empire, stifled wealth-creation in both home and foreign lands. Moreover,
protectionism preserved the status quo, and privileged a few elites at the expense of long …