How Adam Smith Can Change Your Life: An Unexpected Guide to Human Nature and Happiness

(Paperback)

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Lessons on how to live a more virtuous and happy life from the legendary economist What does an economist who died in 1790 have to say about the moral life, the good life, the mystery of human interaction, and the place that ambition and fame play in our lives Plenty. The Wealth of Nations remains a pillar in economic theory, but Adam Smith considered his other, lesser-known great work a superior book. Economics professor Russell Roberts always meant to read The Theory of Moral Sentiments, and when he finally did, it changed his life. Rather than read the dense tome, Roberts has devised an ingenious way to 'channel' Adam Smith by presenting his lessons in an accessible and fun way.

Reviews

Roberts whisks the reader through Smith's "hidden gem" and skilfully blends modern examples with Smith's original, leaving you wanting to tackle his masterpiece * Financial Times *
[Adam Smith's] moral values are rather neglected ... Happily, Russ Roberts has digested, condensed and commented upon Smith's theories of the good life ... the pursuit of happiness is not the pursuit of money * The Times *
A great book. Makes you feel better about life, humanity, and yourself. Like having a conversation and a scotch with Adam Smith, or even better, Russ Roberts -- Nassim Nicholas Taleb, author of The Black Swan
'Can economists teach us how to live a good life When the economists in question are Adam Smith and Russ Roberts, the answer is a definitive yes. Roberts shines a fresh light on Smith's ideas about morality and human nature and finds they hold up remarkably well in the 21st century. A fun, fascinating, and original book that will challenge you to become a better version of yourself' -- Daniel H. Pink, author of Drive
Adam Smith was not just an economist; he had penetrating insights into human nature that informed his rich, subtle, and revolutionary approach to moral philosophy. Russ Roberts combines a deep understanding of what Smith was on about with a fluent writing style to bring out the surprisingly modern implications of Smith's thinking -- Matt Ridley, author of The Rational Optimist
'Russ Roberts has taken a brilliant but difficult classic - Smith's Theory of Moral Sentiments - and written an engaging and inspiring meditation on virtue, friendship, and happiness. The result is a wonderful guide to living a good life' -- Jonathan Haidt, author of The Righteous Mind

Author Bio

Russ Roberts is the John and Jean De Nault Research Fellow at Stanford University's Hoover Institution. He hosts the award-winning weekly pod-cast EconTalk and is the author of three economics novels, including The Price of Everything- A Parable of Possibility and Prosperity. He is also the co-creator of the Keynes-Hayek rap videos which have been viewed over seven million times on YouTube.