“Wealth of Nations” is a thought-provoking read on economics, and it is one that challenge readers. Moreover, reading the book, has helped me to look deeper into my own political philosophies. Now, I am also one that believes in free trade as well, or the avoidance of economic discrimination. What this reading has helped me to see, is that these issues of free trade have only grown more severe over the past three centuries. Now, what interested me about Smith’s points, is that the issues of economics are more complex than meet the eye. One way that Smith demonstrates this, is in how he discusses the issues of taking wealth for granted, increasing over decades. As stated in the reading, "In the state of things, the whole produce of labor belongs to the laborer; and the quantity of labor commonly employed in acquiring or producing any commodity, is the only circumstance, which can regulate exchange quantities” (Smith, p.40). This quote has helped me to realize the government’s power should not go as far as to interfere with the financial lives of people, especially in labor. With the job-related work that I am pursuing, this book has helped me to take more precautions, in getting involved with free trade in the time of the 21st century. Precaution examples include making sure that the company I would like to do free trade with has a good reputation, along with developing a good relationship with them.
Work Cited
Smith, A. “Wealth of Nations”. 1776. Print. United States.
