An Animal That Trades

What did Adam Smith really mean by “the invisible hand”?

In this short video, discover how individual choices, guided by self-interest, can unintentionally promote the public good—and why Smith's famous metaphor still sparks debate today. Clear, engaging, and perfect for classrooms or curious minds alike. 

 
In this short video, AdamSmithWorks introduces the free market not as a place, but as a dynamic process driven by voluntary exchange, competition, and cooperation. With insights rooted in the thought of Adam Smith, this engaging explainer helps viewers understand how markets work and why they play a central role in a free society. 

This original AdamSmithWorks video explores Adam Smith’s famous concept of the division of labor—how breaking down tasks increases efficiency, productivity, and prosperity. 📈💡 

This short video introduces Adam Smith’s concept of sympathy from The Theory of Moral Sentiments. Rather than mere pity, sympathy is our ability to imaginatively enter the emotions of others—forming the foundation of moral judgment and human connection. A great starting point for understanding Smith’s moral philosophy in action. 

This short video explores how Adam Smith viewed authority—not as mere power, but as something rooted in trust, moral judgment, and social roles. Drawing from both Smith's major works, it examines how legitimate authority helps maintain order and promotes cooperation in society. 

Watch the complete 38 minute series uninterrupted.