The Wealth of Nations Tough-o-Meter

(8) Snow Line

Adam Smith tries hard to get his ideas across in a clear way, but the fact remains that this is an economics textbook from 1776. So, um, it's not the easiest of reads.

Even when Smith does make his points clearly, he spends the next forty pages supporting his arguments with examples that many readers today won't understand. Throw in the general boredom factor (and the archaic language factor) and you're in for a tough slog.

But hey: this book really has actually influenced every aspect of your life. No lie. So it's worth giving it your best shot.