Capable Quote by Adam Smith
“This great increase of the quantity of work which, in consequence of the division of labour, the same number of people are capable of performing, is owing to three different circumstances; first, to the increase of dexterity in every particular workman; secondly, to the saving of the time which is commonly lost in passing from one species of work to another; and lastly, to the invention of a great number of machines which facilitate and abridge labour, and enable one man to do the work of many.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Wealth of Nations, 1776
Labor productivity rises from skill, time saved, and machinery, allowing fewer workers to do more work.
In simple terms: Better skills, time, and machines let fewer people do more work.
Key Takeaway
Invest in skill, time, and tech to boost output.
Themes
economics
productivity
technology
Mood
analytical
historical
Type
economic
philosophical
When to use this quote
- manufacturing
- software development
- agricultural automation
- service industry scaling
Key Concepts
division of labor
industrialization
efficiency
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies balance productivity with fair labor?
- What role does education play in this shift?
A Different Perspective
May overlook worker displacement and inequality.
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![“[The Community's] crosses and trials give me confidence. But I derive my hope above all, and most especially, from our utter incapacity, for it is always upon nothingness that God is pleased to rear His works. If at any day we accomplish some good here, the glory will certainly be His alone, since…” quote by Theodore Guerin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/2b8/theodore-guerin-54729_accomplish_the-community-s-crosses-and-trials-give_7176.jpg)
