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"How the insights of an 18th century economist can help us live better in the 21st century. Adam Smith became famous for The Wealth of Nations, but the Scottish economist also cared deeply about our moral choices and behavior--the subjects of his other brilliant book, The Theory of Moral Sentiments (1759). Now, economist Russ Roberts shows why Smith's neglected work might be the greatest self-help book you've never read. Roberts explores Smith's unique and fascinating approach to fundamental questions such as: - What is the deepest source of human satisfaction? - Why do we sometimes swing between selfishness and altruism? - What's the connection between morality and happiness? Drawing on current events, literature, history, and pop culture, Roberts offers an accessible and thought-provoking view of human behavior through the lenses of behavioral economics and philosophy"--

Acknowledgements -- Preface to the 2019 edition -- Introduction -- Gambling with other people's money -- Did creditors expect to get rescued? -- What about equity holders? -- Heads : they win a ridiculously enormous amount : tails : they win just an enormous amount -- How creditor rescue and housing policy combined with regulation to blow up the housing market -- Fannie and Freddie -- Fannie and Freddie : cause or effect? -- Commercial banks and investment banks -- Picking up nickels -- Basel : faulty -- Where do we go from here? -- Notes -- Index -- About the author