Adam Smith published The Wealth of Nations in 1776. In this passage, he discusses

Adam Smith published The Wealth of Nations in 1776. In this passage, he discusses what motivates people in a capitalist system. Every individual is continually exerting himself to find out the most advantageous employment for whatever capital he can command. It is his own advantage, indeed, and not that of the society, which he has in view. But the study of his own advantage naturally . . . leads him to prefer that employment which is most advantageous to the society. –The Wealth of Nations, Adam Smith According to Smith, what is the primary economic motivation for most people? private ownership self-interest competition free trade