Adam Smith quiz

More questions about Adam Smith

These visible examples show the question style. LearnClash turns the full topic into ranked duels and spaced repetition.

1. 1 Easy

   Who joins the butcher and the brewer in Smith's dinner quote?

   Answer: The baker

   Why: We appeal to their self-interest, not their kindness, Smith argues, and talk of what they gain rather than of what we need.

2. 2 Medium

   What did Smith ask friends to do to most of his unpublished papers?

   Answer: Burn them

   Why: A few essays were spared, among them a history of astronomy, and came out in 1795 as Essays on Philosophical Subjects.

3. 3 Hard

   What did Smith want the public to help fund in every parish?

   Answer: A school

   Why: The teacher was to be paid only partly by the public, as Smith feared a fully funded master would soon neglect his job.

4. 4 Easy

   Who did Smith say may fairly pay a higher share of income in tax?

   Answer: The rich

   Why: The remark comes from his discussion of a tax on house rents, which would fall heaviest on the rich and their grand houses.

5. 5 Medium

   Which bank put Smith on its £20 note in 2007?

   Answer: Bank of England

   Why: That made him the first Scot to appear on an English banknote.

6. 6 Hard

   What imagined figure did Smith say acts as our conscience?

   Answer: Impartial spectator

   Why: In Smith's account, this imagined fair-minded judge is what corrects the distortions self-love puts on how we see ourselves.