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Discover the Wealth of Knowledge: Top 9 Fun Facts About Adam Smith You Never Knew

illustration of adam-smith
Dive into the fascinating world of Adam Smith, the "Father of Economics," as we uncover lesser-known tidbits and quirky anecdotes that just might surprise you!

1. Cousin: Original Life Organizer

"Momma's boy" wasn't on Adam Smith's resume; he didn't need a helicopter parent to hack economic theory: Smith, however, did have a savvy female cousin who kept his books in order while he delved into the world of invisible hands and laissez-faire economics.
Source => workingnation.com

2. Debunking the Heart-Mole Myth

Dispelling Mole Madness: While whispers of Adam Smith sporting a swoon-worthy, heart-shaped mole on his cheek tickle our fancy, unfortunately, no evidence exists to validate this endearing claim; rather, we must delight in the abundant and fascinating information available about his life and intellectual pursuits.
Source => chicagobooth.edu

3. The Professorial Side of Smith

Before breaking the internet, Adam Smith was breaking barriers in the world of academia: This intellectual powerhouse held professorships at prestigious institutions like the University of Glasgow and the University of Edinburgh, lecturing on subjects ranging from moral philosophy to literature and logic, proving he was far more than just an economics whiz.
Source => investopedia.com

4. Philosopher of Morality and Sympathy

Well, lo and behold, it turns out the godfather of economics, Adam Smith, had more intellectual tricks up his scholarly sleeve than just dabbling in the dismal science: In fact, he was a versatile scholar who lectured on rhetoric, belles-lettres, and logic, eventually becoming the head of Moral Philosophy at Glasgow University, and even penned a philosophical work, The Theory of Moral Sentiments, which delved into the complex relationship between human morality and individual sympathy.
Source => en.wikipedia.org

Alexander Hamilton's Secret Influence

5. Alexander Hamilton's Secret Influence

Ever wondered if The Wealth of Nations made people feel "richer" in knowledge? Because it did, and it got richer as well: With several editions sprouting in Adam Smith's days, it not only grabbed the attention of economic enthusiasts, but also cozied up to the desk of Alexander "Federalist Papers" Hamilton, influencing his Report on Manufactures.
Source => en.wikipedia.org

6. True Wealth: Production and Commerce

You'll not find Adam Smith counting his Benjamins under the mattress or trying to impress with a shiny new grill: he believed that a nation's true wealth lay not in gold and silver, but in its production and commerce.
Source => leaderonomics.com

7. Socializing Scholar and Whist Player

Who said economists can't party? Donning his invisible hand as a socializing force, Adam Smith, known for his scholarly acumen, was no stranger to merriment: Smith was an active participant in intellectual discussion clubs, enjoyed playing whist with friends, but – alas – no evidence links his love for game shows or card games.
Source => fee.org

8. Edinburgh's Philosophical Society Duelist

Before Hogwarts had its Philosophers: Adam Smith frequented the enchanting world of the Philosophical Society of Edinburgh, partaking in magical intellectual duels with fellow scholars at their weekly meetings.
Source => investopedia.com

9. Adam "Scot-lander" Smith: Homebody Extraordinaire

Who knew that the Wealth of Nations author was more of a "Scot-lander" than a quirky-quilled globetrotter? Turns out, the father of modern economics was a bit of a homebody: Adam Smith primarily lived and worked in Scotland, with only brief stints in France, Switzerland, and England. Incredibly, he still managed to rub quills with the intellectual heavyweights of his day, including David Hume and Thomas Reid.
Source => en.wikipedia.org

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