Art Quote by Adam Smith
“The sneaking arts of underling tradesmen are thus erected into political maxims for the conduct of a great empire; for it is the most underling tradesmen only who make it a rule to employ chiefly their own customers. A great trader purchases his good always where they are cheapest and best, without regard to any little interest of this kind.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Wealth of Nations, 1776
The quote critiques how small traders manipulate political rules to favor their own customers, while great traders seek the best value regardless of personal ties.
In simple terms: Small traders shape politics for self‑interest; great traders prioritize quality and price.
Key Takeaway
Avoid letting personal connections dictate business decisions.
Themes
economics
politics
trade
ethics
Mood
critical
analytical
Type
philosophical
political
economic
When to use this quote
- small business negotiations
- large corporate procurement
- government policy making
- ethical sourcing
Key Concepts
self‑interest
market efficiency
political economy
Questions to Reflect On
- How do personal networks affect market fairness?
- When is it acceptable to prioritize loyalty over price?
A Different Perspective
May overlook the benefits of long‑term relationships and trust.
![“It looks glamorous and wonderful, but it's a job like any other. And I think that's their humility coming through, Joel [Coen] and Ethan's [Coen] humility. I think they really believe they are tradesmen, craftsmen, and they're just pursuing their trade, their craft, and doing the best they can…” quote by David Krumholtz](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/351/david-krumholtz-7751_believe_it-looks-glamorous-and-wonderful-but-it_1777512.jpg)
![“[F]or women, like tradesmen, draw in the injudicious to buy their goods by the high value they themselves set upon them… They endeavor strongly to fix in the minds of their enamoratos their own high value, and then contrive as much as possible to make them believe that they have so many purchasers…” quote by Sarah Fielding](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/735/sarah-fielding-19151_believe_f-or-women-like-tradesmen-draw-in-the-in_987498.jpg)
![“[T]he foundation of a great Empire is laid, and I please myself with a persuasion, that Providence will not leave its work imperfect.” quote by George Washington](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/cc7/george-washington-257_constitution_t-he-foundation-of-a-great-empire-is-lai_1529714.jpg)
