# The Wealth of Nations

> 1776 work on economics by Adam Smith

**Wikidata**: [Q233562](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q233562)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Wealth_of_Nations)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/the-wealth-of-nations

## Summary
*The Wealth of Nations* is a 1776 work on economics by Adam Smith, a Scottish moral philosopher and political economist. It is a foundational text in economic theory, exploring the nature and causes of national wealth through the mechanisms of supply and demand in markets.

## Key Facts
- **Title**: *The Wealth of Nations* (also known as *An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations*)
- **Author**: Adam Smith (1723–1790)
- **Publication Date**: March 9, 1776
- **Classification**: Literary work, essay
- **Subject Matter**: Economics, market mechanisms, supply and demand
- **Country of Origin**: United Kingdom (inception dates: April 12, 1927, and December 6, 1921, related to UK's political history)
- **Wikidata Description**: A 1776 work on economics by Adam Smith
- **Sitelink Count**: 64 (Wikipedia references)

## FAQs
**What is *The Wealth of Nations*?**
*The Wealth of Nations* is an economic essay by Adam Smith that examines the factors contributing to a nation's wealth, particularly through the operation of markets and the division of labor.

**Who wrote *The Wealth of Nations*?**
Adam Smith, a Scottish moral philosopher and political economist, authored the work in 1776.

**What is the significance of *The Wealth of Nations*?**
The book is a cornerstone of economic theory, introducing concepts like supply and demand and advocating for free markets as drivers of prosperity.

**Is *The Wealth of Nations* a literary work?**
Yes, it is classified as both a literary work and an essay, written for edification and analysis.

**Where was *The Wealth of Nations* published?**
The work was published in the United Kingdom, reflecting the political and economic context of the time.

## Why It Matters
*The Wealth of Nations* revolutionized economic thought by introducing the idea that markets, when left to operate freely, generate wealth through specialization and exchange. Smith’s analysis of supply and demand laid the groundwork for classical economics and influenced later economic theories. The book remains a foundational text in understanding economic systems and policy.

## Notable For
- **Foundational Economic Theory**: Introduced key concepts like the invisible hand and the division of labor.
- **Influence on Economics**: Shaped classical economics and modern economic policy.
- **Literary and Intellectual Legacy**: A seminal work in both economics and philosophy.

## Body
### Overview
*The Wealth of Nations* is an economic essay by Adam Smith, published in 1776. It explores the mechanisms of market exchange, arguing that national wealth arises from the division of labor and the operation of supply and demand. The work is classified as both a literary work and an essay, reflecting Smith’s broader intellectual contributions.

### Author and Context
Adam Smith, a Scottish moral philosopher and political economist, wrote *The Wealth of Nations* during a period of significant economic and political change in the United Kingdom. The book’s publication date, March 9, 1776, coincides with the broader intellectual and economic developments of the late 18th century.

### Economic Theory
The book introduces the concept of the "invisible hand," suggesting that free-market interactions lead to economic prosperity without centralized planning. Smith’s analysis of supply and demand is central to his argument, emphasizing the role of markets in allocating resources efficiently.

### Classification and Legacy
As a literary work and essay, *The Wealth of Nations* is part of a broader tradition of economic and philosophical inquiry. Its influence extends to modern economic theory, policy, and education. The work’s sitelink count of 64 on Wikipedia reflects its enduring relevance and scholarly interest.

### Related Entities
- **Adam Smith**: A Scottish philosopher and economist whose other works include *The Theory of Moral Sentiments*.
- **United Kingdom**: The country of origin, with inception dates related to its political history.
- **Market Mechanisms**: The core subject of the book, involving supply and demand and exchange processes.
- **Literary Work and Essay**: The classifications under which *The Wealth of Nations* is categorized.

## References

1. [Source](https://standardebooks.org/ebooks/adam-smith/the-wealth-of-nations/text/chapter-1-2)
2. [Source](https://standardebooks.org/ebooks/adam-smith/the-wealth-of-nations/text/single-page#chapter-1-1)
3. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
4. [An inquiry into the nature and causes of the wealth of nations by Adam Smith | Open Library](https://openlibrary.org/works/OL76827W/The_Wealth_of_Nations?edition=key%3A/books/OL6462185M)
5. [Source](https://standardebooks.org/ebooks/adam-smith/the-wealth-of-nations)
6. [Source](https://standardebooks.org/ebooks/adam-smith/the-wealth-of-nations/text/imprint)
7. [Source](https://github.com/standardebooks/adam-smith_the-wealth-of-nations/blob/master/src/epub/content.opf)
8. BBC Things
9. Quora
10. [Source](https://golden.com/wiki/The_Wealth_of_Nations-MNA4R3)