ABSTRACT
This chapter argues that for Adam Smith the lack of inner certainty that generates anxiety, dependence on the opinion of others and on worldly success is a common human feeling that contributes to shaping the world economy and makes it work. After a close review of the pervasive role of anxiety, derived from the imagination, in Smith's moral philosophy, wealth and sympathy with the rich, though ethically unsound, are discussed as positive economic drives with good therapeutical results against dysfunctional anxiety. This sympathy is based on what is a very useful deception – that wealth brings happiness – necessary both for economic development and for the preservation of social order. The chapter explains the mix of Stoical and anti-Stoical tenets that are to be found in Smith's philosophy, challenging the widespread opinion that 'Stoic philosophy is the primary influence on Smith's ethical thought' and that 'Smith's ethics and natural theology are predominantly Stoic'.
