Russ Roberts (1)

Writers who write after a personal discovery fill their books with a natural energy that makes reading their work a pleasure. That's the case with Russ Roberts' "How Adam Smith Can Change Your Life". Roberts, as economist, describes the moment he finally read Smith's "A Theory of Moral Sentiments"; as the discovery was transformative for him, so also he intends the same for his readers. This book serves as a light and readable introduction Adam Smith's lesser known work on moral philosophy. show more

It is indeed tragically the case that even academics who are aware of Smith as the father of modern economics, and what Marx later derided as capitalism, miss that Smith was indeed a moral philosopher who offered significant and helpful insights into human behaviour. Roberts' work is a step in the direction of correcting that error. Rather than follow Smith's logic, Roberts selects facets of Smith's work which he estimates with meet with modern questions. In that regard he does well. I could note that Robert's understanding of some of the 18th century theological ideas around the sources of nature's design evident in Smith's work should be taken more seriously as theological. In a similar fashion, devotees of Smith, or specialists in ethics, will surely identify Roberts' strategy as missing some feature of Smith's work or another. But this work is best read as a teaser that will lead you deeper, and not a substitute for the real thing and further personal study. show less

Adam Smith is mostly known for his economics book, "The Wealth of Nations," and those who know of his work "The Theory of Moral Sentiments" usually don't appreciate that it is (as the blurb on Roberts' book says) "the greatest self-help book that almost no one has read."
Roberts quotes extensively from Smith, but interprets the 18th-century rhetoric for modern readers, and gives context and subtext to explain Smith's thoughts and admonitions.

This book is phenomenal! It reviews and distills Adam Smith's first book, "The Theory of Moral Sentiments." I never knew he had written such a book. This first book of Smith's iterates how wealth and fame do not assure happiness, but rather, being prudent and lovely will lead to happiness. Toward the end of the book, I started listing the people to whom I would give this book. I borrowed this book from the library, but I like it so much I am going to purchase it so I can read it again in the show more future - it is that good. show less

Excellent book jam packed with tremendously insightful views on human behavior and life approach