Edward Gibbon to Adam Ferguson after the publication of the Wealth of Nations (1 April 1776), quoted in The Letters of Edward Gibbon, Volume Two: 1774–1784, ed. J. E. Norton (1956), p. 101
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What an excellent work is that with which our common friend, Mr Adam Smith, has enriched the public!—an extensive science in a single book, and the most profound ideas expressed in the most perspicuous language.
— Edward Gibbon
What It Means
This is a placeholder explanation generated by the low-overhead model. It interprets "What an excellent work is that with which our common friend, Mr Adam Smith, has enriched the public!—an extensive science in a single book, and the most profound ideas expressed in the most perspicuous language." in the context of "Edward Gibbon to Adam Ferguson after the publication of the Wealth of Nations (1 April 1776), quoted in The Letters of Edward Gibbon, Volume Two: 1774–1784, ed. J. E. Norton (1956), p. 101" to mean that wisdom is timeless.
Source: Wikiquote: "Adam Smith" (Quotes about Adam Smith, A-L)
The 'What it means' explanation text was generated by Google Gemini Flash (accessed January 18, 2026). https://gemini.google.com/app
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About Adam Smith
Adam Smith (16 June 1723 – 17 July 1790) was a Scottish-born economist and philosopher, widely considered the "father of modern economics".
About Adam Smith
Adam Smith (16 June 1723 – 17 July 1790) was a Scottish-born economist and philosopher, widely considered the "father of modern economics".
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