A necessary happiness
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Since my July 8 ABC CLIO blog entry had a cowboy emphasis, a reference to Adam Smith did not exactly fit my home-on-the-range metaphor*. Try as I might, I could not see Mr. Smith in hat and spurs mounted on a quarter horse, minding the lowing herd while contemplating his Theory of Moral Sentiments.**
But, it is still important to note that centuries ago, Adam Smith alluded to what he saw as man’s instinctual sympathy: “How selfish soever man may be supposed, there are evidently some principles in his nature, which interest him in the fortune of others, and render their happiness necessary to him, though he derives nothing from it, except the pleasure of seeing it.”
Don’t just take his word for it, economic and psychological research does support Mr. Smith’s insight. It gives hope to those who want to find a supportive work place in which people look out for others selflessly. Unlike the dystopic offices in the comics, there are decent organizations and decent people to work with. You just have to find them.
*That's Long's Peak, in the distance, under the brim of my hat.
** One of many editions of Adam Smith’s 1759 work, The Theory of Moral Sentiments , was edited by Knud Haakonssen in 2002 for Cambridge University Press.
But, it is still important to note that centuries ago, Adam Smith alluded to what he saw as man’s instinctual sympathy: “How selfish soever man may be supposed, there are evidently some principles in his nature, which interest him in the fortune of others, and render their happiness necessary to him, though he derives nothing from it, except the pleasure of seeing it.”
Don’t just take his word for it, economic and psychological research does support Mr. Smith’s insight. It gives hope to those who want to find a supportive work place in which people look out for others selflessly. Unlike the dystopic offices in the comics, there are decent organizations and decent people to work with. You just have to find them.
*That's Long's Peak, in the distance, under the brim of my hat.
** One of many editions of Adam Smith’s 1759 work, The Theory of Moral Sentiments , was edited by Knud Haakonssen in 2002 for Cambridge University Press.
John Lubans - portrait by WSJ