“The great secret of education is to direct vanity to proper objects. This simple truth drives human enterprise.”

— Adam Smith

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“The great secret of education is to direct vanity to proper objects. This simple truth drives human enterprise.”

(June 16 , 1723 -- July 17 , 1790)
Origin: Scottish
Known for: Economist
Meaning
Adam Smith provides this specific, impactful phrasing to expose a fundamental truth about human nature, economic progress, and personal ambition. Educators, policymakers, and business leaders alike should thoroughly internalize this perspective to foster profound, positive structural changes in the market. Whenever you are assessing difficult financial problems or deciding how to allocate your limited personal capital, this rule acts as a solid analytical filter. This connects deeply to his core ethos: treating all individuals as free agents in a fair market is the ultimate prerequisite for true societal wealth.
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Adam Smith

Adam Smith was a Scottish economist. Pioneer of modern economics. Their insights on success, discipline and long-term thinking are frequently shared by entrepreneurs and professionals.

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This quote is attributed to Adam Smith. Adam Smith was a Scottish economist. Pioneer of modern economics. Their insights on success, discipline and long-term thinking are frequently shared by entrepreneurs and professionals.

Adam Smith provides this specific, impactful phrasing to expose a fundamental truth about human nature, economic progress, and personal ambition. Educators, policymakers, and business leaders alike should thoroughly internalize this perspective to foster profound, positive structural changes in the market. Whenever you are assessing difficult financial problems or deciding how to allocate your limited personal capital, this rule acts as…

The wording and attribution are documented at en.wikiquote.org. Use the original source linked on this page to verify the exact phrasing and context.

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