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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.

Adam Smith

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Adam Smith
Age: 67 †
Born: 1723
Born: June 16
Died: 1790
Died: July 17
Economist
Non-Fiction Writer
Philosopher
University Teacher
Writer
Lang Toun
Much
Difference
Custom
Example
Customs
Differences
Arise
Education
Philosopher
Common
Street
Nature
Characters
Seems
Habit
Dissimilar
Character
Streets
Porter

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Wherever there is great property there is great inequality. For one very rich man there must be at least five hundred poor, and the affluence of the few supposes the indigence of the many. The affluence of the rich excites the indignation of the poor, who are often both driven by want, and prompted by envy, to invade his possessions.
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Science is the great antidote to the poison of enthusiasm and superstition.
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I have no great faith in political arithmetic, and I mean not to warrant the exactness of either of these computations.
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Beneficence is always free, it cannot be extorted by force.
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By pursuing his own interest (the individual) frequently promotes that of the society more effectually than when he really intends to promote it. I have never known much good done by those who affected to trade for the public good.
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Nothing is more graceful than habitual cheerfulness.
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How selfish soever man may be supposed, there are evidently some principles in his nature, which interest him in the fortune of others, and render their happiness necessary to him, though he derives nothing from it, except the pleasure of seeing it.
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