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The Wealth of Nations

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The Wealth of Nations

By: Adam Smith
Narrated by: Michael Edwards
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First published in 1776, this work is the classic statement of economic liberalism or the policy of laissez-faire and is widely considered on of the hundred greatest books of all time. Several fundamental principles or “axioms” were introduced in this work, including the division of labor, supply and demand, and free market capitalism as some of the most obvious. Smith’s political economy is primarily individualistic: self-interest is the incentive for economic action. However, he shows that universal pursuit of self-interest contributes to the public interest, a concept probably best encapsulated by John F. Kennedy when he remarked, “a rising tide raises all boats.”

(P)1989 Blackstone Audio, Inc. Economic History Economics Theory Capitalism Imperialism Taxation Socialism Money Latin American
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Critic reviews

“Simply the best book on political economy ever written. It is a genuine ‘breakthrough’ book whose magisterial scope and synthesis have not been surpassed.”

“Adam Smith’s enormous authority resides, in the end, in the same property that we discover in Marx: not in any ideology, but in an effort to see to the bottom of things.”

“The Wealth of Nations is no defender of ‘greed is good’ economics; the author’s humanity and benevolence tint every page.”

“Edwards enunciates with unusual clarity, which helps with a book published in 1776.”
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This is really hard work to listen to, but not because of the content. The sound quality on this was so poor, I had to give up after the first chapter. It sounds like it was recorded on a dictaphone in the mid-80s and the oxide on the tape has started to go.

Really poor sound quality

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Massively disappointed with the sound quality of this recording, to the point where this is impossible to listen to.

Shocking Sound Quality

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Apart from the appalling sound quality, this is a subject of such complexity that it can't be communicated in this way. The ideas are presented too quickly and briefly to allow the listener to reflect on what they've just heard. This compares unfavourably with using a hard copy, where the reader has a chance to reflect on a new idea and,if necessary, re-read the paragraph.

Not a suitable subject for an Audible Book.

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Muffled!! Impossible to hear!! I was very disappointed, having so looked forward to hearing this book.

Muffled

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