The Wealth of Nations Family Quotes

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

Quote #7

[But] they are fired with indignation when another family, in whom they had never acknowledged any such superiority, assumes a dominion over them. (5.1.40)

Like he said earlier, Smith repeats this idea that your family will probably be cheesed off if one of the neighboring families suddenly gets rich and acts like they're all better than you. That's because we're most likely to envy those who are most like us.

Quote #8

Among brothers and among sisters, the eldest always takes place; and in the succession of the paternal estate everything which cannot be divided, but must go entire to one person, such as a title of honour, is in most cases given to the eldest. (5.1.38)

In a family, the oldest brother has traditionally been the one who's gotten the family property when the parents die. Smith says that this has been the case because otherwise, the family's money would get scattered and diluted across too many people.

Quote #9

Among them, father is the appellation of a superior; brother, of an equal; and son, of an inferior. (5.1.38)

In many societies, the concept of father is so connected to leadership that people use the word "father" to refer to anyone who is above them in rank. They also use "brother" for an equal and "son" for someone beneath them. Haven't you ever been on the basketball court and heard someone say, "I'm about to make you my son"?