Myself Quotes
By pursuing his own interest (the individual) frequently promotes that of the society more effectually than when he really intends to promote it. I have never known much good done by those who affected to trade for the public good.
"By pursuing his own interest (the individual) frequently promotes that of the society more effectually than when he really intends to promote it. I have never known much good done by those who affected to trade for the public good."— Adam Smith
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Meaning of this quote
Private interest may sometimes advance wider welfare, while commercial claims of public service deserve scrutiny.
Key takeaway:
Compare a commercial activity's actual effects with its professed purpose.
Origin of the quote
The Wealth of Nations (1776)
Who actually said this?
Book IV, chapter II: inserts “(the individual)” in place of the original “he”; the following sentence is from the same passage.
Source:
The Wealth of Nations (1776)
