Adam Smith argued that trade was inevitable in human society because of what we might call the "Exchange Principle." Smith says in Wealth of Nations, that there is an inevitable tendency in human societies "to truck, barter and exchange," because of our capacity for speech and our capacity to reason. Both of these capacities, Smith argues, can be found in no other species. What is it about communication, and our ability to coordinate tasks and talents to achieve our own self-interest that leads to the inevitable development of capitalist societies? Hint: in coordinating tasks and talents we do not do it for the benefit of all, but rather for our own benefit. Why does this lead to competition and how does this competition help foster what Smith argued was the key advantage of capitalist societes; the development of new technologies through increased job specialization and a resultant focus of energies? Think about why you are in school. Are you taking on all of the burdens of learning and financial pain because you want to help society? Or are you really in it for yourselves, hoping to gain greater financial power and freedom after you graduate? How does our selfishness in pursuing our own specific life goals benefit society at large?

This question is from my Intro to Political Thought, and we are reading The Wealth of Nation.

Thank you so much.