ADAM SMITH
LIFE (1723-1790)
Adam Smith was born in 1723 in the small town of Kirkcaldy, Scotland. He was the son of a customs official. However, before he was born, Adam Smith’s father had died so his mom raised him all by herself. Smith’s mother greatly influenced him, who never married and spent most of his life living with and caring for his mother.
Smith left for Glasgow University on scholarship when he was 14 years old and later studied at Oxford. However, he felt contempt for English schools and its retrained education. He then became a teacher of logic and then chair of moral philosophy. Smith was loved by his students.
In 1759, Smith was influenced by his mentor, Francis Hutcheson, and published his first book, The Theory of Moral Sentiments that deals with man's benevolence towards man.
In 1764, Smith stopped teaching and became a private tutor for a duke's son. He spent several years in France, where he met many of the most prominent French thinkers of the day.
In 1776, year of American Independence, Smith published his more famous work, An Inquiry into the Nature and causes of the Wealth of Nations, that still resonates in economy today. This book was inspired by America’s need to be self-reliant and away from Britain’s manipulation on its colonies.
In 1777, Smith was appointed the commissioner of customs and moved to Edinburgh to take the position.
In 1778, he became the rector of the University of Glasgow.There, Smith worked until he died in 1790. He was buried in Canongate churchyard.
Smith left for Glasgow University on scholarship when he was 14 years old and later studied at Oxford. However, he felt contempt for English schools and its retrained education. He then became a teacher of logic and then chair of moral philosophy. Smith was loved by his students.
In 1759, Smith was influenced by his mentor, Francis Hutcheson, and published his first book, The Theory of Moral Sentiments that deals with man's benevolence towards man.
In 1764, Smith stopped teaching and became a private tutor for a duke's son. He spent several years in France, where he met many of the most prominent French thinkers of the day.
In 1776, year of American Independence, Smith published his more famous work, An Inquiry into the Nature and causes of the Wealth of Nations, that still resonates in economy today. This book was inspired by America’s need to be self-reliant and away from Britain’s manipulation on its colonies.
In 1777, Smith was appointed the commissioner of customs and moved to Edinburgh to take the position.
In 1778, he became the rector of the University of Glasgow.There, Smith worked until he died in 1790. He was buried in Canongate churchyard.