This books is a marvelous revision of Adam Smith's first book 'Theory of Moral Sentiments'. Roberts translates antediluvian examples which have different meaning into modern day language and examples in keeping with the original meaning. This book shows the meaning in the feedback that we get from everyone in society. The lessons that any reader can learn from this book are timeless. It seems that just attaining something has less importance than actually deserving of something. A small flaw is when Roberts makes an example that takes a lot of time to get to the purpose of it. ( )

This book is phenomenal! It reviews and distills Adam Smith's first book, "The Theory of Moral Sentiments." I never knew he had written such a book. This first book of Smith's iterates how wealth and fame do not assure happiness, but rather, being prudent and lovely will lead to happiness. Toward the end of the book, I started listing the people to whom I would give this book. I borrowed this book from the library, but I like it so much I am going to purchase it so I can read it again in the future - it is that good. ( )

This was a very good book that helps define what it is to lead a good life. Highly recommended. ( )

Did not finish, this felt repetitive by chapter 5. Printing the exact same quote twice on adjoining pages felt like filler. ( )

This is all you need to know.

"To be content, you need to be loved and to be lovely."

There are two ways to be loved. You can be rich and famous. Or you can be wise and virtuous.

Choose the second way, Smith counsels, the way of wisdom and virtue.

Why need Adam Smith when religious traditions give the same response?

I know -- Secular people would pay attention to what Russ Roberts has to say about Adam Smith.

However, if response came from any of the religious tradition, it is not palatable.

Don't read this book, if you have read enough in religious tradition, philosophy.

Basically, literature from Religious Tradition would offer the same.

Russ basically repackages it into Secular, shiny book.

If you want to Analyze Moral Philosophy, dive into Adam Smith's other works.

If you have never read a book in your life, go ahead.

Rich & Famous, sounds like lot of trouble and complexity in life.

Religious Tradition: Hinduism, Islamic, Buddhism, Jain, Christian tradition offer solid content.

Good luck handling it.

Overall, I'd say, Not Worth your Time, read religious literature for this

Deus Vult,
Gottfried ( )