Adam Smith's Milestones

Adam Smith, a Scottish economist and philosopher, authored The Wealth of Nations, laying the foundations of modern economics and advocating for free markets and capitalism.
1723

Birth

Adam Smith was born in Kirkcaldy, Scotland, to Adam Smith Sr. and Margaret Douglas.

Family June 5, 1723

Father died

Smith's father died before he was born; he was raised by his mother.

Family June 5, 1723
1729

Early education

Attended the Burgh School of Kirkcaldy, receiving a solid foundation in Latin, mathematics, and writing.

Education January 1, 1729 - January 1, 1737
1737

Attended University of Glasgow

Studied moral philosophy at the University of Glasgow under Francis Hutcheson, who greatly influenced his thinking.

Education January 1, 1737 - January 1, 1740
1740

Awarded Snell Exhibition

Received the Snell Exhibition scholarship to attend Oxford.

Achievement June 1, 1740

Attended Balliol College, Oxford

Attended Balliol College, Oxford, on a scholarship, studying philosophy and classics.

Education July 1, 1740 - July 1, 1746
1746

Returned to Kirkcaldy

Returned home and devoted time to reading, reflection, and writing.

Other July 1, 1746 - January 1, 1748
1748

Public lectures in Edinburgh

Delivered a series of public lectures in Edinburgh on rhetoric and belles-lettres, gaining recognition as a scholar.

Career January 1, 1748 - January 1, 1751
1749

Friendship with David Hume

Formed a close friendship and intellectual partnership with philosopher David Hume.

Relationship January 1, 1749 - August 25, 1776
1751

Professor at University of Glasgow

Appointed Professor of Logic, then Professor of Moral Philosophy at the University of Glasgow.

Career January 1, 1751 - January 1, 1764
1759

Published 'The Theory of Moral Sentiments'

Published his first major work, 'The Theory of Moral Sentiments,' establishing his reputation as a leading philosopher.

Achievement April 1, 1759
1760

Dean of Faculty of Arts

Served as Dean of Faculty of Arts at the University of Glasgow.

Career January 1, 1760 - January 1, 1762
1764

Tutor to Duke of Buccleuch

Traveled throughout Europe as tutor to the young Duke of Buccleuch, meeting leading intellectuals including Voltaire and François Quesnay.

Career February 1, 1764 - October 1, 1766
1765

Met leading economists in France

Met and exchanged ideas with French physiocrats, including Quesnay and Turgot, influencing his economic theories.

Relationship January 1, 1765 - October 1, 1766
1767

Returned to Kirkcaldy

Returned to Kirkcaldy and worked on 'The Wealth of Nations.'

Other January 1, 1767 - January 1, 1773
1776

Published 'The Wealth of Nations'

Published 'An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations,' a foundational work in modern economics.

Achievement March 9, 1776
1778

Commissioner of Customs

Appointed Commissioner of Customs in Scotland, overseeing trade and taxation.

Career January 1, 1778 - July 17, 1790
1787

Rector of University of Glasgow

Elected Rector of the University of Glasgow.

Achievement January 1, 1787 - January 1, 1789
1790

Death

Adam Smith died in Edinburgh, Scotland, leaving a legacy as the father of modern economics.

Other July 17, 1790

Posthumous recognition

Smith's works remain influential; his image appears on British currency and he is widely regarded as the father of modern economics.

Achievement July 18, 1790 - June 5, 2025