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The Theory of Moral Sentiments

Adam Smith · 1759

Adam Smith's first major work of moral philosophy, published in 1759, here presented as a modern volunteer audio reading.

This is Smith's own first major philosophical work, considered by him his most important achievement.

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Adam Smith, The Theory of Moral Sentiments, 1759. LibriVox volunteer audio reading, not Smith's own voice.

About this source

What it is

The Theory of Moral Sentiments is a book written by Adam Smith, first published in 1759. The audio here is a LibriVox volunteer reading of the text, recorded in modern times — it is not Smith's own voice.

Why it matters

Smith considered this his most important book. It set out his ideas about sympathy, conscience and how people judge right and wrong, laying philosophical groundwork that later shaped his thinking on economics in The Wealth of Nations.

Look closer

  • Why might Smith have thought this book, rather than his economic writing, was his greatest achievement?
  • What does it mean that this recording is read by volunteers rather than being Smith's actual voice?
  • How might ideas about sympathy connect to Smith's later economic theories?

This book is part of the curated material that grounds the AI version of Adam Smith on Humy.ai — when students ask about related events, the AI can quote it and cite it.

More Adam Smith sources

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Title page of An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations, by Adam Smith, LL.D. and F.R.S., formerly Professor of Moral Philosophy in the University of Glasgow. In two volumes, Vol. I. London, printed for W. Strahan and T. Cadell, in the Strand, MDCCLXXVI.Book

Primary source

The Wealth of Nations

Adam Smith · 1776

Scan of the title page of the 1759 first edition of The Theory of Moral Sentiments by Adam Smith, Professor of Moral Philosophy in the University of Glasgow. Centered ornament below. Imprint reads London: Printed for A. Millar, in the Strand, and A. Kincaid and J. Bell, in Edinburgh, MDCCLIX.Book

Primary source

The Theory of Moral Sentiments

Adam Smith · 1759

Black and white engraving of a standing man in profile wearing a tricorn hat, powdered wig, and long buttoned coat, holding a cane, beside a round table with books and an inkstand. Bookshelves and a checkered floor are behind him. Caption below reads 'The Author of the Wealth of Nations'. Signed 'RAY' and dated 1790 at lower left.Painting

Primary source

Adam Smith, 1790

John Kay · 1790

Oil painting of a man in a powdered white wig and dark high-collared coat with blue-tinged shading, turned to the left, against a dark brown background. He has a slight closed-mouth expression.Painting

Secondary source

The Muir Portrait of Adam Smith

Unknown · c. 1790

Evening photo of Panmure House, a stone building with lit windows and a glass-fronted entrance at street level, with a sign reading Adam Smith's Panmure House. Dusk sky, paved street in foreground.Artifact

Primary source

Panmure House

1691-1693 (built); Smith resided 1778-1790

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