The interest of [businessmen] is always in some respects…
![“The interest of [businessmen] is always in some respects different from, and even opposite to, that of the public ... The proposal of any new law or regulation of commerce which comes from this order ... ought never to be adopted, till after having been long and carefully examined ... with the…” quote by Adam Smith](https://sms4smile.com/q/img-quotes/75d/adam-smith-1040_adopted_the-interest-of-businessmen-is-always-in_2983313.jpg)
“The interest of [businessmen] is always in some respects different from, and even opposite to, that of the public ... The proposal of any new law or regulation of commerce which comes from this order ... ought never to be adopted, till after having been long and carefully examined ... with the most suspicious attention. It comes from an order of men ... who have generally an interest to deceive and even oppress the public.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Public policy should be scrutinized because business interests often conflict with the public good, requiring careful, skeptical review.
In simple terms: Business motives can clash with public welfare, so laws need thorough, wary examination.
Key Takeaway
Examine proposals critically before adoption.
Themes
economics
public policy
conflict of interest
regulation
skepticism
Mood
cautious
analytical
Type
advisory
critical
When to use this quote
- drafting new commerce laws
- reviewing regulatory proposals
- assessing corporate lobbying
- public hearings
- policy analysis
Key Concepts
public interest
corporate power
legislative scrutiny
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we detect hidden corporate influence?
- What safeguards ensure public interest prevails?
A Different Perspective
Business influence may be subtle and not always overtly oppressive.