"The difference between the most dissimilar characters, between a philosopher and a common street porter, for example, seems to arise not so much from nature, as from habit, custom, and education."

"Little else is requisite to carry a state to the highest degree of opulence from the lowest barbarism, but peace, easy taxes, and a tolerable administration of justice; all the rest being brought abou…"

"No society can surely be flourishing and happy, of which the far greater part of the members are poor and miserable."

"Every individual is continually exerting himself to find out the most advantageous employment for whatever capital he can command. It is his own advantage, indeed, and not that of the society, which h…"

"The government of an exclusive company of merchants is, perhaps, the worst of all governments for any country whatever."