Adam Smith is often accused of propounding an economic theory based solely on self-interest and individual welfare, however Smith's own writings indicate that this is not the
case. Smith sees that his ideas surrounding the division of labor will not only benefit the individuals in control of production, but society as a whole. In Book Three of The
Wealth of Nations Smith writes: "The gains of both are mutual and reciprocal,
and the division of labor is in this, as in all other cases, advantageous to all the different
persons employed in the various occupations into which it is subdivided."
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