"It is not from the benevolence of the butcher, the brewer, or the baker, that we expect our dinner, but from their regard to their own interest. We address ourselves, not to their humanity, but to their self-love, and never talk to them of our own necessities but of their advantages."

"It is only under the shelter of the civil magistrate that the owner of valuable property...can sleep a single night in security."

"The government of an exclusive company of merchants is, perhaps, the worst of all governments for any country whatsoever."

"By pursuing his own interest [every individual] frequently promotes that of the society more effectually than when he really intends to promote it. I have never known much good done by those who affected to trade for the public good."