Adam Smith (1723–1790) stands as a towering figure in the history of economic thought. Known primarily for his work 'An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations' (1776), commonly referred to as 'The Wealth of Nations', Smith laid the foundations for classical economics and free-market thought. Born in Kirkcaldy, Scotland, Smith was a moral philosopher, a pioneer of political economy, and a key figure during the Scottish Enlightenment. Before his seminal work on economics, Smith authored 'The Theory of Moral Sentiments' (1759), which explored the nature of ethical judgment. In 'The Wealth of Nations', Smith introduced the concept of an 'invisible hand' that guides free markets and discussed the division of labor, productivity, and free trade as central to economic prosperity. His in-depth analysis of the functioning of economies and critique of mercantilism have cemented his legacy as the 'Father of Economics'. Smith's literary style combines rigorous empirical observation with a principled inquiry into human nature and societal arrangements, offering insights that remain foundational in modern economic and philosophical discourse.