The Wealth of Nations Family Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (Book.Chapter.Paragraph)

Quote #1

Labour is so well rewarded that a numerous family of children, instead of being a burthen is a source of opulence and prosperity to the parents. (1.8.23)

In some countries, regular workers make such good wages that people have as many kids as possible to bring more money into their household. No wonder you read these old books about families with twenty children.

Quote #2

A young widow with four or five young children, who, among the middling or inferior ranks of people in Europe, would have so little chance for a second husband, is there frequently courted as a sort of fortune. (1.8.23)

Smith is so confident in the wages of regular workers that he believes women with lots of children should be prized by single men because the children will one day bring in lots of money as workers.

Quote #3

We cannot, therefore, wonder that the people in North America should generally marry very young. (1.8.23)

With wages so good in America, it's little wonder that people get married young and start having babies as early as possible. It's when wages and work conditions get bad that people start thinking twice about having kids.