Adam Smith: A Detailed Biography

Adam Smith (1723–1790) was the Scottish philosopher and economist known as the “Father of Economics” and “Father of Capitalism”. His 1776 masterpiece An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations laid the foundations of classical economics, advocating free markets, division of labour, and the “invisible hand”. His earlier The Theory of Moral Sentiments (1759) explored ethics and human nature. This biography covers his Kirkcaldy childhood, Glasgow professorship, travels with the Duke of Buccleuch, writing of his great books, and catastrophic death, as documented by the Encyclopaedia Britannica, the Adam Smith Institute, and the Library of Economics and Liberty.

Early Life in Kirkcaldy

Kidnapped at Age 4

Baptised on June 5, 1723, in Kirkcaldy, Fife, Scotland (exact birth date unknown). His father, comptroller of customs, died before his birth. At age 4 he was kidnapped by gypsies but rescued. Raised by his mother Margaret Douglas, he attended local school, as detailed by the History Today and the Adam Smith Global Foundation.

Glasgow and Oxford

Entered University of Glasgow at 14 (1737), studying under Francis Hutcheson. Won a scholarship to Balliol College, Oxford (1740–1746), but found English teaching inferior to Scottish, as documented by the University of Glasgow and the Balliol College, Oxford.

Professor at Glasgow (1751–1764)

Appointed Professor of Logic (1751) then Moral Philosophy (1752) at Glasgow. His lectures on ethics became The Theory of Moral Sentiments (1759) — arguing sympathy forms moral judgement, as preserved by the Project Gutenberg and the Adam Smith Works.

Tutor to the Duke of Buccleuch (1764–1766)

Resigned to tutor young Henry Scott, 3rd Duke of Buccleuch, on a Grand Tour of France and Switzerland. The generous pension allowed him to write for the rest of his life, as detailed by the Scottish Enlightenment Network.

The Wealth of Nations (1776)

Published An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations on March 9, 1776 — arguing self-interest in free markets benefits society via the “invisible hand”, division of labour creates wealth, and mercantilism harms it. It became a bestseller and the foundation of classical economics, as analysed by the Library of Economics and Liberty and the British Library.

Later Years in Edinburgh

Appointed Commissioner of Customs in Edinburgh (1778). Revised his books and corresponded with intellectuals. Burned unfinished manuscripts before death, as documented by the National Library of Scotland.

Personal Life

Smith never married. Lived with his mother until her death in 1784 and cousin Janet Douglas. Known for absent-mindedness — once fell into a tanning pit while talking, as detailed by the The Economist.

Death and Legacy

Adam Smith’s Enduring Impact

Smith died after a painful illness on July 17, 1790, in Edinburgh, aged 67. Buried in Canongate Kirkyard with the inscription “Here lies Adam Smith”. His ideas inspired the Industrial Revolution, classical liberalism, and modern economics. The Adam Smith Institute and his portrait on the £20 note keep his memory alive, as celebrated by the Bank of England.

Frequently Asked Questions About Adam Smith

Why Is Adam Smith Famous?

Father of modern economics — author of The Wealth of Nations.

What Is the Invisible Hand?

Self-interest in free markets unintentionally benefits society.

Where Was Adam Smith Born?

Kirkcaldy, Scotland, 1723.

What Is The Theory of Moral Sentiments?

1759 book on ethics and sympathy.

Did Adam Smith Support Free Trade?

Yes — criticised mercantilism.

Was Adam Smith a Professor?

Yes — Moral Philosophy at Glasgow.

How Did Adam Smith Die?

Long illness July 17, 1790, aged 67.