Adam Smith’s The Wealth of Nations (1776) is arguably one of the most important books ever written. The problem is that the book is 500 pages long, and despite its groundbreaking insightfulness, can be a real snoozer. I have only ever been able to manage about 30 pages at a stretch, which is probably par even for people interested in the topic. Furthermore, in order to really understand Smith, one must also read his first work The Theory of Moral Sentiments (1759), which is another Herculean task in itself. This unfortunate situation dictates that Smith’s admirers (myself included) are deprived of a complete understanding of the man and insights that we owe so much to.
Thankfully, humorist/smart guy P.J. O’Rourke has taken it upon himself to read both books and do all of the heavy lifting for us. In his new book, On the Wealth of Nations, O’Rourke offers an entertaining insight into both Smith the man and his world-shifting revelations (HT: Ben Pratt). Frankly, I'm amazed that such a fine book has flown so far under the radar screen, but I feel it is a must read for anyone with an interest in economics or just becoming a little bit more informed. Even if you are the rare type of person who can zip through Smith while understanding it flawlessly, On the Wealth of Nations is still worth your time, if anything just for the sheer novelty of O’Rourke’s ability to find so much funny trapped in “The Dismal Science.”
Comments