Adam Smith was a Scottish moral philosopher, pioneer of political economy, and a key figure in the Scottish Enlightenment.The Wealth of Nations Published in 1778, was the firstbook on economics to catch the public s attention. It provides arecipe for national prosperity that has not been bettered since,based on small government and the freedom of citizens to act intheir best interests. It reassuringly assumes no knowledge of itssubject, and over 200 years on still provides valuable lessons onthe fundamentals of economics.