Adam Smith like Marx sees changes in the economic system as a logical, inevitable sequence of events. For example the power of the landed aristocracy declined as a consequence of the increasing importance of the towns. Good government was a result of this decline as people that had worked on the estates in conditions close to slavery moved to cities where they had considerable freedom. The difference between Marx and Smith is that Smith considered all of these changes leading to steady improvements whereas Marx considered the results of capitalism and industrialisation and urbanisation disastrous. Marx living about one hundred years later than Smith. The system had not produced wealth for all as Smith foresaw. Smith believed that if governments would refrain from interfering in the economy prosperity would increase for all. Marx considered that a revolution whereby the capitalist class would be eliminated and private property is abolished a necessary consequence of the exploitation of the workers. Smith believed the opposite in that private property was the main driving force for progress. Their analysis of the historical development looking at it now shows many serious mistakes. However many more of the ideas of Adam Smith are still valid in hindsight than those of Marx. Somewhat surprising both being persons with interest in morality do not ascribe any importance to that subject. Both are imprisoned by the concept that "mechanical" or systemic changes in society can explain changes in the economic system. Many economists to day still fall in the same trap. They do not believe that moral standards can play an important role in the development of economic system. They therefore typically reject new developments such as "socially responsible investing ". Like "Capital" of Marx, the "Wealth of Nations" presents many interesting facts about for example the near slavery conditions in the large agricultural estates throughout Europe. This information is a good antidote to the romantics that believe conditions in the countryside in the past were very pleasant. The Wealth of Nations is lucidly written and shows quite clearly the dependence of wealthy creation on essential but minimal government.

Given the apotheosis of Mr. Smith in various market-fundamentalist circles, I expected a work saturated in ideology prior to reading. Being prejudiced by selective citations in the economic literature, it turned out I was in error.

Conservatives and libertarians will ultimately be infatuated with this monumental achievement. However, to give skeptical lefties a taste of what lies within, here are a few brief quotations--

Book five is loaded with instances calling for government intervention. Take education--this line of thought was reiterated a few decades later by Tocqueville: "In the progress of the division of labor...the man whose life is spent in performing a few simple operations ... has no occasion to exert his understanding, or to exercise his invention ... He naturally loses, therefore, the habit of such exertion, and generally becomes as stupid and ignorant as it is possible for a human creature to become." twon bk5 ch1

Marxists will dig this: "Labor alone, therefore, never varying in its own value, is alone the ultimate and real standard by which the value of all commodities can at all times and places be estimated and compared. It is their real price; money is their nominal price only." twon bk1 ch5

Smith is verbose, sometimes superfluous, but unequivocally took a fantastic step forward for the "science" of economics. A must read, regardless of one's ideology.

This book is a classic of economic thought!

As the Director of a Day Care Facility, this book offered the best guide to dealing with modifying aggressive behavior in children entering the world of other, differently backgrounded children that I've found...It is full of common sense approaches to achieving the desired cooperation of children at the earliest levels of inter-action with peers and adults.

As a grandparent, the easily understood guidelines for managing busy children makes the job fun....where were you 30 years ago when I was bringing up the parents of my grandchildren...A truly wonderful book...

This book provides practical, thoughtful guidelines about raising children. It discusses children's behavior in a very logical, helpful way. The title is unfortunate as it relates to all children, not just those who misbehave. This is one of the best books about children's behavior that I have ever read and, as a Professor of Pediatrics, it is an area in which I have great interest.

So Sweet for the little one's. This book tells what God has done for us and written so the children can understand with beautiful pictures. Every one with small children should have a copy to read to their children. I am a grandmother and I enjoyed it. You don't need to be a child to enjoy Why I Love You God and Sister for Sale. We all still have some kid in us. LOVED both Books.

This is one of the sweetest books I've ever read. It's perfect for little ones--and just the right size. Be sure to get add it to your library!

This is such a sweet board book. I loved it! I can't wait to read it to my grandbaby who will be born in August. In this rhyming book, a child lists all of the reasons to love God, such as: roses that smell good to noses and raindrops and popcorn that pops. It's a very special book that would make a wonderful addition to any church nursery, as well as a delightful gift for the little ones in your life. Get this book. You won't be sorry.

Also recommended: "Sister For Sale"

the best book I have ever read on the subject of why so many men abuse women in so many different ways. The other reviewer who talks about laughing when he read it is obviously a man who abuses women and he just couldn't stand the truth.

this book changed my life. Ihad read lots of books about abusive men and never really understood why I had been treated the way I had been. This book finally cleared the fog. it lifted years of guilt and shame. I knew befor I had finished it that I was not responsible and that he would have hit me even if I had met his demands to be the perfect wife. I will always be grateful I found this book

This book is unintentionally hilarious. It is also really badly written and quite embarrassing on the whole. It should have been called "Why people of both sexes hate this author". Anyone who subscribes to this stupid confused theory is either living in an alternate reality or just stupid. But really I'm not bagging this book out, it's great and should be filed with "The Rules" as one of the most idiotic books ever written. I'm in hysterics laughing now just remembering it.

A Woman of Wisdom is wonderful. One feels that Caroline is a friend- always encouraging and even pushing us to recognize our unique strengths and talents. Her own experiences demonstrate how difficult times can lead to a more meaningful and rewarding life. An added bonus are the inspirational messages beautifully illustrated in full page color calligraphy. I plan to frame my favorites.

Caroline Adams has written a wonderful book that will inspire others to find unknown inner resources within themselves. She takes you gently by the hand and guides you along a path that she has followed herself. Heart speaks to heart. This book will strengthen everyone and especially anyone who has had or is coping with a difficult situation. Her thoughts are beautifully illustrated in own unique calligraphic style. In the world we live in today it is a source of joy to find a treasure like this that helps to build oneself up. Don't hesitate to give this as a gift to anyone. They will surely thank you for your thoughtfulness.

One senses immediately that Caroline Adams really understands the challenges we face as individuals... and as a life form. To be human is not easy. To do it with grace and truth and hope is an Art. Caroline Adams is an artist extroardinaire and her canvas is a lifetime...

Adams has created an "experience " that is visually delicious, soothing to the touch--and to the soul. Bright and warm and deeply comforting... She guides her readers toward light and the kind of peace one only finds through self-awareness and compassion.

What an incredibly hopeful book-- inspiring and insightful. There are pearls on every page! (I know several men who will enjoy this book too!) It is about How to Be. How to Grow. How to Live from the Heart...

"Woman of Wisdom..." is an easy and joyful read, divided into small sections, offering tools and opportunites to journal and inquire within to find what it is we value..and desire. I know that will turn to it again and again...it's a book I will cherish.

I've just bought 6 copies for friends! I received it as a gift myself, and can't wait to share it...

I believe this book has the ability to change a child's perspective on learning vocabulary words. Not only is Wordly Wise fun, but it's a great challenge. It's a helpful tool and I would pass this book on to anyone who needs it. I am 17 years old and to this very day, I still remember the words I learned from Wordly Wise when I was 9 years old.

I found this book easy to use and the child
found it fun. I didn't have to "get after them"
to finish the lesson. Just the kind of book for me!!

Great book. An amazing way to expand your child's vocabulary.

At last, a well written, well researched book on one of America's most fascinating ladies, Abigail Adams. Based on carefully interjected original research and letters, this book provides a long needed look at the issues and challenges that faced Abigail Adams. The author portrays her as a woman, very much in love with her husband, very much in love with her country, and very willing to try to balance the needs of both. It is striking to realize how totally independent she became in financial affairs, and in domestic issues. The book reminds you of the challenges of communications and distance. It also makes you aware of the personal sacrifices this family made for the young, emerging nation. The focus of the book is on Abigail, but sufficient information on the political events and political players is provided. An excellent look at a very important person. Don't miss it if you enjoy this period of history and are anxious to understand more about its key players.

Abigail Adams by Phyllis Lee Levin is an excellent companion work for David McCullough's John Adams.

Throughout life Abigail and John were inseparable, best of friends, and each others life. Through circumstances John was away in the service of forming a government and the duties to a new nation, but Abigail was not far from his heart, nor he from hers.

We see an unabated ardor in her for her "Best Friend" in life. Abigail Adams saw and wrote with clarity about the time leading to and after the Revolutionary War, and events following and her humanity. We have a unique perspective of the life and times of this period through her eyes written for posterity through her letters to a variety of people surrounding her life.

Not since Barbara Bush, has a woman been both a wife and mother to a President of the United States, even though she dies before John Quincy is elected. Abigail kept her family close to her heart and was the one to keep the family together and the family homestead viable in John's absence.

This is a well written book, solid in research, flowing prose and good details. This book captures Abigail Adams and shows us her intellegence and her perceptiveness of the events of her times. She wrote letters to Jefferson and had comments about all of the people, albeit caustic or poignant, close to John's work and life.

She loved John and missed him greatly when he was away, her letters attest to that, but when she was at his side both flourished. This book gives us a great insight into how Abigail was as a woman and how she coped with private and public life.

I recommend reading and enjoying this book.

I loved this children's art book. It's fun and an easy way to learn how to draw. The kids I have shared it with loved it too. I watched my cousins 9 yrs and 7 yrs get totally engrossed with it which amazed me because they are often glued to the TV. They just got started and drew their own pictures right in the book along side the lesson. Great gift. I will be watching for more!

I was so impressed with the content of this book! It was designed with TRUE teaching techniques that anyone can learn from. It was concise, reinforced the basic art techniques and gave step by step illustrations, making it quite simple for those just starting to draw to visualize a completed picfture. Then, Adam gave the young artist an opportunity to duplicate, learn and display his/her talents. I also enjoyed the humor in the pictures. Always finding Adam and Jeremy somewhere in the pictures!! Great idea!! And then, the words of wisdom and encouragement throughout the book was tremendous! Little kids need that the grow and feel accomplished. Great job, Adam! Keep up the good work and let's see another book soon!

I stumbled upon this book while searching for another anthology. This book is outstanding! It's like a breath of fresh air on a topic that has received more heat than light. I'm tempted to buy another copy!

This collection fills a void in literature by placing in one volume praisesongs to the many Black men who rarely make the evening news: fathers, brothers, husbands, lovers--heroes who never stopped and who never will abandon their commitment to their women, families and communities. Without hypberole, these sister- poets celebrate the Black men who have graced their lives; in so doing, they provide a welcome opportunity for the rest of us to do the same. Whether I share Adam of Ife' with students or "celebrants" at a funeral, people are genuinely thrilled that such an anthology exists. Naomi Long Madgett is to be commended for editing such a powerful volume.

My 3-year old son LOVES this book. My husband reads it to him multiple times every night at bedtime, at his request. It has a great lesson & the illustrations are wonderful. Adam is certainly a character that little people can relate to.

I thought this was an excellent book for my 7 year old. She learned that forever doesn't mean forever.