Adam Smith Biography

(18th Century Scottish Economist Who is Considered the Father of Modern Economics)

Birthday: June 5, 1723 (Gemini)

Born In: Kirkcaldy, Fife, Scotland

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Adam Smith was a pioneer of political economy and a thinker of modern economics. Due to his extensive work in economics and for being the most influential thinkers in modern economics, Smith was accorded the title of ‘Father of Modern Economics’. He is mostly known for his book on ‘The Wealth of Nations’ which has become the Bible of Capitalism. Although he was born in a small village, his oratory and writing skills were instantly recognised by his mother early on and she took every step to ensure he was given the best education possible. His mother became the most influential person in his life. Smith’s behavioural traits and demeanour was quite unusual. He was one of the most eccentric and outlandish personalities ever. He has been caught doing the most bizarre, weird and uncanny things possible like making a weird concoction of bread butter and tea and drinking them all up. In another instance, he went on an aimless walk in his nightgown for about 15 miles before some church bells brought him back to reality. Smith is also known for his benevolence and generous traits. During one instance when he resigned from teaching abruptly he was generous enough to return the fees to his students. However, his students refused to take it. This and more made Smith a very interesting personality.

Quick Facts

Died At Age: 67

Family:

father: Adam Smith

mother: Margaret Douglas

Born Country: Scotland

Quotes By Adam Smith Economists

Died on: July 17, 1790

place of death: Edinburgh, Scotland

Cause of Death: Painful Illness

Founder/Co-Founder: Royal Society of Edinburgh

More Facts

education: University Of Glasgow, Balliol College, Oxford

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Scottish PeoplePhilosophersScottish MenUniversity Of GlasgowBalliol College, Oxford Childhood & Early LifeSmith was born in Kirkcaldy, Scotland. His namesake father was by profession an advocate, solicitor and prosecutor. He also served as a Comptroller for a brief period. Unfortunately, Smith lost his dad two months after his birth.Loss of his father brought Smith very close to his mother Margaret Douglas, who was the daughter of the landed Robert Douglas of Strathedry.Smith’s birth date is often taken as the day on which he was baptized. The reason behind this is not very clear. It is also believed that he was abducted by some gypsies when he was a kid and later released.Smith’s mother had a great influence on his education. He went to the best schools of Scotland –Burgh School of Kirkcaldy where he learnt writing, mathematics and history.He later studied Philosophy from University of Glasgow when he turned fourteen. It was here Smith got to hone his skills in free speech. He also attended Balliol College at Oxford to study European literature. At Oxford he became the first student to benefit from the scholarship offered by fellow Scot, John Snell.Continue Reading BelowRecommended Lists:Male PhilosophersScottish EconomistsScottish PhilosophersScottish Intellectuals & AcademicsCareerSoon after Smith finished graduation, a series of Public Lectures delivered by him at Edinburgh led him to collaborate with philosopher David Hume during the Scottish Enlightenment in 1750. Smith shared a very close intellectual bond with Hume and they wrote on politics, history, religion and economics.Smith became a Professor of Moral Philosophy at Glasgow in 1751. He wrote his Classic ‘Theory of Moral Sentiments’ around this time.He was elected as a member of Philosophical Society of Edinburgh in 1752. Smith spent the next thirteen years as an academic which he recalled as his best years.In 1763, Smith resigned from his professorship to tutor Henry Scott’s step son. Henry Scott was introduced to Smith through David Hume.He was elected fellow of the Royal Society of London and was elected as a member of the Literary Club in 1775. The ‘Wealth of Nations’ was published the next year and it became an instant success.In 1788, Smith returned to France where his mother was living and he was appointed as Commissioner of Customs.Between 1787 and 1789, he was given the position of Lord Rector of the University of Glasgow.Quotes: You, Yourself, LikeRecommended Lists:Gemini MenMajor WorksDuring Smith’s Professorship at Glasgow, he wrote and published one of his Classics ‘The Theory of Moral Sentiments’. He wrote this in 1759. The book laid emphasis on how mutual sympathy was the basis of moral sentiments.Continue Reading Below His best-seller ‘The ‘Wealth of Nations’ which was published in 1776 was a powerful and very influential book. This book central theme lay on the role of self-interest.Awards & AchievementsSmith was conferred with the title of ‘Father of Modern Economics’His magnum opus ‘An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations’, more popularly known as the ‘The Wealth of Nations’ was named among the 100 Best Scottish Books of all time. The book came to be known as the first modern work of economics. This book has had its influence on many a people including Former U.K. Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher who is known to carry this in her hand bag all the time.Quotes: Money, Believe, BeliefPersonal Life & LegacySmith never married in his life. He was very close to his mother. His mother died six years before his own death.Smith died after a painful illness and was buried in Canongate Kirkyard.On his death bed, he was believed to have regretted that he had not achieved enough. As a last wish he wanted his personal papers to be destroyed after his death.TriviaSmith was believed to have a habit of talking to himself, a habit he picked up in his childhood. And on several occasions he was caught smiling at invisible companions.He also used to imagine that he was unwell, although he was medically completely fit. He experienced bouts of imaginary illness.