The Wealth of Nations is undeniably important, but for me it’s a 2/5. The ideas are powerful; the reading experience is not. It’s dense, repetitive, and often a chore to get through.

That said, I really liked Smith’s argument that gold and silver have no real value beyond buying other goods: true wealth lies in what a country actually produces. His critiques of tariffs and duties also stood out. He treats heavy trade barriers as economically damaging and often reflective of a country acting in a warlike or defensive posture: an idea that feels relevant when thinking about Donald Trump’s America in 2025/26.

I am sure Adam Smith would not be impressed at all with the economic landscape of the 21st century. One riddled with debt, over-reliance on currency over hard tangible goods, trade barriers and hostility.

Overall, great insights, painful delivery.