the hand of the invisible hand

The "invisible hand" is a concept introduced by economist Adam Smith, describing how individuals pursuing their own interests can unintentionally benefit society as a whole. When people buy and sell goods or services to maximize their own gain, they often help allocate resources efficiently without any central plan. This self-interest motivates businesses to produce what consumers want, leading to economic growth and innovation. Essentially, the "invisible hand" suggests that individual actions driven by personal preference can collectively result in positive economic outcomes for society, functioning like an unseen force guiding markets toward equilibrium.