num_pages: 144
description: Adam Smiths landmark treatise on the free market paved the way for modern capitalism arguing that competition is the engine of a productive society and that self-interest will eventually come to enrich the whole community as if by an invisible hand. Throughout history some books have changed the world. They have transformed the way we see ourselves  and each other. They have inspired debate dissent war and revolution. They have enlightened outraged provoked and comforted. They have enriched lives  and destroyed them. Now Penguin brings you the works of the great thinkers pioneers radicals and visionaries whose ideas shook civilization and helped make us who we are.
language: English
title: Great Ideas the Invisible Hand
publisher: Penguin UK