The book titled "The Wealth of Nations," written by Adam Smith, was published in 1776. It is widely recognized as one of the most important works in economics and promoted the concept of free enterprise, laying the foundation for modern capitalism.
This work introduced key concepts related to free enterprise, market economies, and capitalism that are still influential today. Smith emphasized the idea of the "invisible hand", suggesting that individual self-interest, when guided by competition and free markets, would lead to societal benefits, even without direct government intervention. The book laid the groundwork for modern economic theory and is considered a crucial text in understanding the principles of capitalism and free market economies.
This was a turning point in economic thought, as it moved away from mercantilism, the dominant economic theory of the time, which advocated for heavy government control and regulation of trade. Instead, Smith's ideas promoted the idea that economies function most efficiently when left to the forces of supply and demand with minimal interference. Today, his work is still frequently referenced in discussions about economic policy and the role of government in markets.