‘Man naturally desires, not only to be loved, but to be lovely.’

Published in 1759, and the basis of many of the author’s later works, The Theory of Moral Sentiments remains one of the most influential texts in the history of philosophy.

With his trademark wisdom and perceptive flair, Adam Smith delves into the complex tapestry of morality and, more broadly, the nature of humanity itself. At a time when the Enlightenment movement was at its peak, championing reason above all else, Smith offered an alternative ideology concerning ethics. He theorised that morality stems from sympathy and a desire for social approval as opposed to pure reason. Covering humankind’s capacity for feeling, our social agendas, justice vs. beneficence and so much more, Smith laid the groundwork to underpin his later works, including the classic The Wealth of Nations and Essays on Philosophical Subjects. Incisive, well-argued and endlessly fascinating, The Theory of Moral Sentiments continues to be celebrated for its enduring rationale that still resonates with readers to this day.

Adam Smith (1723 – 1790) was a Scottish philosopher and economist. A prominent figurehead during the Scottish Enlightenment movement, Smith is best known for his works The Theory of Moral Sentiments (1759) and The Wealth of Nations (1776). Regarded as the ‘father of capitalism’, Smith championed free markets, free trade and the division of labour.