Part IV: Of the Effect of Utility upon the Sentiment of Approbation · Chapter II: Of the order in which Societies are by nature recommended to our care and attention

Adam Smith

This work was published before January 1, 1931, and is in the public domain worldwide because the author died at least 100 years ago. Public domainPublic domainfalsefalse Contents Part I: Of the Propriety of Action Part II: Of Merit and Demerit; or, of the Objects of Reward and Punishment Part III: Of the Foundation of our Judgments concerning our own Sentiments and Conduct, and of the Sense of Duty Part IV: Of the Effect of Utility upon the Sentiment of Approbation Part V: Of the Influence of Custom and Fashion upon the Sentiments of Moral Approbation and Disapprobation Part VI: Of the Character of Virtue Part VII: Of Systems of Moral Philosophy

Adam Smith challenges the prevailing 18th-century belief that wealth and status inherently lead to happiness. His critique targets the relentless pursuit of such goals, which often leads to societal unrest and personal turmoil. In Smith's view, the true foundation of a contented life lies in a balanced perspective, where neither prudence nor justice is sacrificed. This comes from The Theory of Moral Sentiments, where Smith lays the groundwork for his later economic theories, focusing more on moral philosophy and human behavior.

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