Adam Smith's Wealth of Nations marks 250th anniversary
The seminal text marks its 250th anniversary tomorrow as scholars debate its relevance to trade. Events across the UK will honor the legacy of Adam Smith.
The foundational text of classical economics, An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations, celebrates its 250th anniversary this Monday. Published on March 9, 1776, the seminal work by the Scottish thinker Adam Smith remains a central reference point for modern economic debates ranging from trade protectionism to wealth inequality. While often hailed as the father of capitalism, Smith’s writings offer a complex legacy that resonates with both free-market advocates and progressive reformers in the United Kingdom and beyond. Smith knew nothing of modern tech billionaires when he railed against trade protectionism and extreme affluence, yet his insights into the global economy continue to be cited by figures across the political spectrum.
