Adam Smith

Man is an animal that makes bargains: no other animal does this – no dog exchanges bones with another.

[Governments are] …without exception, the greatest spendthrifts in the society.

It is not from the benevolence of the butcher, the brewer, or the baker that we expect our dinner, but from their regard to their own interest.

What can be added to the happiness of a man who is in health, out of debt, and has a clear conscience?

The statesman who should attempt to direct private people in what manner they ought to employ their capitals, would … assume an authority which could safely be trusted, not only to no single person, but to no council or senate whatever, and which would nowhere be so dangerous as in the hands of a man who had folly and presumption enough to fancy himself fit to exercise it.

The profusion of government … [has] retarded the natural progress.