ABSTRACT
Every individual contributing to the general productiveness of society, says Adam Smith, “intends only his own gain, and he is in this, as in many other cases, led by an invisible hand to promote an end which was no part of his intention. Nor is it always the worse for the society that it was no part of [the individual’s intended end]. By pursuing his own interest he frequently promotes that of society more effectually than when he really intends to promote it.” 1 Collective interest, according to Smith, is best served by unfettered private interest-seeking: we live as well as we do because others seek to profit from providing the goods and services we want.
