Investing · Western classics

Adam Smith:The Wealth of Nations, Book IV, Chapter II, Paragraph 1053

Adam Smith《The Wealth of Nations》· Book IV, Chapter II · Investing

What is the species of domestic industry which his capital can employ, and of which the produce is likely to be of the greatest value, every individual, it is evident, can in his local situation judge much better than any statesman or lawgiver can do for him. The statesman, who should attempt to direct private people in what manner they ought to employ their capitals, would not only load himself with a most unnecessary attention, but assume an authority which could safely be trusted, not only to no single person, but to no council or senate whatever, and which would nowhere be so dangerous as in the hands of a man who had folly and presumption enough to fancy himself fit to exercise it.

Source: https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/3300
Locator:Book IV, Chapter II, paragraph 1053 · Verified:2026-10-19 · Verification:Exact match

This is a direct reading: the original and source are kept; commentary will be added later.

Today's question

Does this passage change one judgment about money or risk today?

公版英文原典;批量导入,未附中文解读。

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