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During the Enlightenment, humanity experienced huge increases in understanding, and free thinkers that were so impactful we still study their works today. It was also a time of revolution: the American, French, Scientific, and Industrial.

One of the greatest minds the world has ever known was born into the midst of all this change: Adam Smith. His book, The Wealth of Nations, was a landmark publication and instant bestseller in its day. It is still studied and read today, even if we don’t accept all of the ideas inside it as gospel.

Listen to this episode of This Week in Business History as host Kelly Barner examines the philosophy, writing, and relationships of Adam Smith, the father of modern economics and the father of capitalism.

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This Week in Business History for June 14th: Economics in the Age of Enlightenment: Adam Smith (1723-1790)

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