The Wealth of Nations Competition Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (Book.Chapter.Paragraph)

Quote #1

The exclusive privilege of an incorporated trade necessarily restrains the competition, in the town where it is established, to those who are free of the trade. (1.10.60)

All government regulations do in Smith's mind is prevent good competition. As a result, people get monopolies and don't feel the same pressure to make better, cheaper products. The whole society suffers as a result because it stops building wealth.

Quote #2

Were the Americans […] to stop the importation of European manufactures, and, by thus giving a monopoly to such of their countrymen as could manufacture the like goods […] they would retard instead of accelerating the further increase in the value of their annual produce. (2.5.21)

One of the reasons America has done so well (in Smith's mind) is that it has left its borders completely open to importing foreign goods. That means that they can have the best products from all over the world at the cheapest possible prices. So hooray for that.

Quote #3

This free competition obliges all bankers to be more liberal in their dealings with their customers, lest their rivals should carry them away. (2.2.52)

When there's lots of competition, people have to do their best to satisfy their customers. That means that the public gets the best possible deal on every type of product and service. This means that their money will buy them much nicer things for cheaper prices, and everyone will apparently be much happier.