
Smith
Adam Smith was an 18th-century economist best known for founding classical economics. He introduced the idea that individuals acting in their own self-interest can unintentionally benefit society as a whole, especially through markets where goods and services are exchanged freely. Smith emphasized the importance of free trade, competition, and the division of labor in promoting economic growth and efficiency. His famous work, "The Wealth of Nations," laid the foundation for modern economic thought, highlighting how economic systems function and advocating for minimal government interference in markets.