Adam smith

The propensity to truck, barter and exchange one thing for another is common to all men, and to be found in no other race of animals.

I have never known much good done by those who affected to trade for the public good.

As soon as the land of any country has all become private property, the landlords, like all other men, love to reap where they never sowed, and demand a rent even for its natural produce.

The real and effectual discipline which is exercised over a workman is that of his customers. It is the fear of losing their employment which restrains his frauds and corrects his negligence.

On the road from the City of Skepticism, I had to pass through the Valley of Ambiguity.

Resentment seems to have been given us by nature for a defense, and for a defense only! It is the safeguard of justice and the security of innocence.

No complaint... is more common than that of a scarcity of money.

To feel much for others and little for ourselves; to restrain our selfishness and exercise our benevolent affections, constitute the perfection of human nature.

With the greater part of rich people, the chief enjoyment of riches consists in the parade of riches.

Science is the great antidote to the poison of enthusiasm and superstition.