Episode 94: The Enduring Legacy of Adam Smith with Matt Ridley and Russ Roberts

In a wide-ranging conversation with Matt Ridley and Russ Roberts, Fredrik Erixon delves into the enduring legacy of Adam Smith, the Scottish philosopher whose ideas have profoundly shaped our understanding of society and the economy. Celebrating the 300th anniversary of Smith, they explore his seminal work, “The Wealth of Nations,” which revolutionised economic thinking with its insights on specialisation and the division of labour, and the “Theory of Moral Sentiments”, which developed a new reflection on morality and virtue. Together with the distinguished guests, Fredrik explores the core model of man and society, according to Adam Smith, and its relevance for individuals, businesses, and governments today. 

Matt Ridley is an award-winning zoologist who has authoured several books about the evolution of species, the genome, virtue, technology, innovation, progress, the economy – of everything. A former Science Editor for the Economist magazine, Dr. Ridley has a wide readership and audience around the world – and his Ted talk about specialisation and cooperation (When Ideas have Sex) has been matched by millions. His latest books include The Rational Optimist and Viral: The Search for the Origin of Covid 19.

Russ Roberts is a fellow at Stanford University’s Hoover Institution and the President of Shalem College in Jerusalem. A leading economist with a doctorate from the University of Chicago, Dr. Roberts is the host of one of the oldest and biggest podcasts – EconTalk: Conversations for the Curious – which he started in 2006. He has authored several books and released ten years ago How Adam Smith can Change your Life: An Unexpected Guide to Human Nature and Happiness, one of the best books ever on the philosophies of Adam Smith. His latest book is Wild Problems: A Guide to Decisions that Define us.