Adam Smith: The Currency of Thought
In a new documentary film, the Denny Center introduces a new generation Smith's thinking, dispelling myths and exploring how his insights can help society today.
Adam Smith is known as the “Father of Capitalism” and the modern world’s first economist, but that is only a partial understanding of the Scottish Enlightenment scholar’s vision for human flourishing. In reality, Smith defies current-day definitions both in his academic work and his economic thinking. He is best known for his second book, The Wealth of Nations, but he would caution readers to study his first book, The Theory of Moral Sentiments, before considering his ideas about organizing commercial society.
Get to know the real Smith in Adam Smith: The Currency of Thought from the Emmy award-winning filmmakers at Windrider Productions in association with The Denny Center for Democratic Capitalism(This link opens in a new tab) and Adam Smith’s Panmure House(This link opens in a new tab). Check out the trailer below or RSVP for a film screening!
Screenings
- Georgetown Law – February 19, 2026 (12:00 to 1:15 PM)
- Includes: Film screening and talkback panel with special guests Georgetown University Government Professors Glory Liu and Shannon Stimson. Lunch will be provided. Check out our events tab for more info or RSVP here.
- Edinburgh Festival Fringe – August 2026
The 2025 Report on the Health of Democratic Capitalism includes an addendum, Adam Smith Reconsidered (p. 51), that considers his views on human nature and economic systems.
Smith’s legacy is a reminder that building and maintaining healthy societies requires a combination of self-interest, individual motivation, sympathy toward others, and strong institutions. It’s vital to increase national wealth via free markets and competition, but we can’t lose sight of the moral foundations that govern individual behavior and community building.
In a transcript (edited for length and clarity) of the Denny Center 2023 event In Search of Adam Smith: What Might He Think of Today’s Economy?, panelists Richard Boyd, Georgetown University Associate Professor of Government; Adam Dixon, Adam Smith Chair in Sustainable Capitalism, Panmure House; James Feinmerman, James & Catherine Denny Chair in Democratic Capitalism; and David Schmidtz, Presidential Chair of Moral Science, WVU discuss the legacy of Adam Smith’s work and his legacy in the modern context.