Speaking of Smith Archives

Michelle Blackmon on making Enquiry Concerning Hereafter

August 7, 2023

Blackmon spent hundreds of hours with Adam Smith and David Hume (and the Greek ferryman to the underworld, Charon) in the past few months as she worked on creating an audio version of Duane Kelly's Enquiry Concerning the Hereafter. Here, she shares some brief reflections on the project.

Adam Smith Comics: Not From Benevolence

August 3, 2023

Though benevolence and charity are good and necessary things, they are not how most wants can be met. Even beggars must trade.

The Invisible Threads: Adam Smith and the Global Second-Hand Clothing Trade

August 2, 2023

"Even though some parts of this trade run on American good will (Goodwill pun intended), ultimately the people doing the heavy lifting have to make a profit to keep going. Benevolence alone does not get shirts from Arizona to Ghana."

Ghosts in Edinburgh

July 27, 2023

Duane visiting Adam Smith’s grave in Edinburgh, 2022

The author of Enquiry Concerning Hereafter about the dear friendship between Adam Smith and David Hume talks about whoo-whoo moments and being, perhaps, just a little bit like William Shakespeare.

Demand-Side Self-Interest, Part 2

July 18, 2023

"the demand side of the market is at its best when marketplaces of ideas and association are alive and well as a driving force behind patterns and trends."

Demand-Side Self-Interest, Part 1

July 17, 2023

"...it’s only by appreciating both the supply and demand side of self-interest that you end up with a pro-free market flavor."

Adam Smith Comics: How The Theory of Moral Sentiments Begins

July 11, 2023

"How selfish soever man may be supposed, there are evidently some principles in his nature, which interest him in the fortune of others..." Thus, Adam Smith beings his Theory of Moral Sentiments and artist Sally Madden shows us another way to see it.

What Adam Smith Ate (& Drank!): Chocolate

July 6, 2023

Hot chocolate was not as popular in England or Scotland as it was in France and Spain but Smith certainly would have known about it and perhaps tried in during his travels or at home.

Adam Smith Helps Andrew Smith Explain Labor Markets

June 29, 2023

"It’s Adam Smith’s 'Invisible Hand' at work - by acting to satisfy our own gain, we direct our work that produces the greatest value not just to ourselves, but to society."

What Adam Smith Ate: Celebrating Smith's 300th Birthday

June 27, 2023

Adam Smith Comics: Wonder, Surprise, and Admiration

June 26, 2023

Where does inquiry begin? Before Adam Smith becomes the "father of economics" he looks at the stars, reads Isaac Newton, and wonders about the nature of the world and the discovery of truth. Get a glimpse here.

The Sympathizer: An Adam Smith inspired cocktail video

June 21, 2023

Two bibliophiles and one bartender create a book and cocktail pairing video exclusively for AdamSmithWorks to celebrate the 300th anniversary of Adam Smith's birth.