Adam Smith was a Scottish philosopher and political economist. Smith’s precise birth date is unknown, but he was born in 1723. He was Baptized June 5th 1723; however, his father passed away six months before. Smith was taken by gypsies at the age of three but he was returned quickly. Smith attended the University of Oxford in 1840 when he was only 14 years old. Eight years later, he gave lectures at the University of Edinburgh, where he later met fellow Scottish philosopher who would become a lifelong friend, David Hume. In 1787, Smith was named the rector of the University of Glasgow. He passed away in 1790, at the age of 67.
Smith had always been closer with his mother, since his father died at a young age. His mother’s side of the family was well connected with the army. The Burgh School of Kirkcaldy still has his intro to Latin textbook (Eutropius) with his signature and year in it.
Citations:
Davis, W., Figgins, B., Hedengren, D., & Klein, D. (2011). Economics Professors’ Favorite Economic Thinkers, Journals, and Blogs (along with Party and Policy Views). Econ Journal Watch, 8(2), 126-146.
Coase, R. H. (1976). Adam Smith’s View of Man. The Journal of Law and Economics,19(3), 529-546.
Nikkim2998. “Adam Smith vs. Karl Marx – The Industrial Revolution Philosophers.” Online Video Clip. Youtube. Youtube, 10 Mar. 2013. Web. 12 Apr. 2014.