Adam Smith, Anti-Stoic

Abstract

Commerce changes the production of wealth in a society as well as its ethics. What is appropriate in a non-commercial society is not necessarily appropriate in a commercial one. Adam Smith criticizes Stoic self-command in commercial societies, rather than embracing it, as is often suggested. He argues that Stoicism, with its promotion of indifference to passions, is an ethic appropriate for savages. Savages live in hard conditions where expressing emotions is detrimental and reprehensible. In contrast, the ease of life brought about by commerce fosters the appropriate expressions and sharing of emotions. Imposing Stoicism on a commercial society is therefore imposing an ethic for savages onto a refined society — something to abhor. Smith’s rejection of Stoicism in commercial societies can thus be seen as a defense of commerce.

Keywords: Adam Smith, Stoicism, Commerce, Commercial Societies, Savages, Expression of Emotions, Insensitivity

JEL Classification: B12, B15, D91, F69, O1, Z1