“It is not from the benevolence of the butcher, the brewer, or the baker that we expect our dinner, but from their regard to their own interest.” ~ Adam Smith (1776), economist, and author, “An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of The Wealth of Nations.”

The Friends of the Alpena Farmers’ Market has a big day planned for Saturday. In addition to the fresh produce, homemade goods, and crafts, there will be a community rummage sale, antiques, and a promotion of sports in the community. It continues a tradition of involving groups and organizations in the market, giving them a chance to interact with patrons. With deference to serious scholarship, the activities on this day provide an opportunity to relate the theories of Adam Smith, recognized as the “Father of Economics,” to the present.

Often referring to man as an “anxious animal” in lectures, Smith theorized that the labor of individuals, pursuing self-interest will become an “invisible hand,” that builds the economy of a nation. That people generated value, was a radical idea at a time when nations measured their wealth in gold and silver, intellectual thinking was dominated by the church, and governments were authoritarian. Central to Smith’s theory was that the markets and personal choice must be unregulated, allowing individuals the freedom to barter, buy, sell, and trade at will.

Smith’s theory was not intended to be a defense of greed. In his first major work (1759), “The Theory of Moral Sentiments,” the idea of unseen forces was invoked for assurance of mankind’s natural tendency to be benevolent. The individual would become conscious of unexpressed approval and appreciation of good deeds done and continue to do more. In this essay, he lays out his commitment to the soundness of the judgment of the individual versus systems defined by the elite for the betterment of society.

Those that display the bumper sticker, “I Brake for Garage Sales,” are like an index finger on Smith’s invisible hand, searching for and pointing out value and convenience. Garage, yard, rummage, and online trading sites evidence the capacity of people’s drive to bargain. In their pursuit, shoppers benefit society a whole by extending the useful life of goods; some may even discover treasure.

Sport is important to health and the quality of life, and in Northeast Michigan there is a wide variety to participate in. For those with desire to take advantage, but lacking equipment, the hands of volunteers have collected donations and will distribute rods, reels, balls, bats, gloves, and whatever, to those in need. Emphasis will be youth sports, but all ages are welcome.

“Agriculture, the produce of the land, is the sole or the principal source of revenue and wealth of every company.” ~ Adam Smith, “The Wealth of Nations.”

Theories of Adam Smith are passionately used to rationalize opinions on markets and freedom of choice. Looking at agriculture, with size of production units ranging from a few acres to privately owned company Cargill with revenues of $114.695 billion, thinking of ideas as “one shoe fits all,” might be a stretch. What you can count on is that if you buy local, you eat fresh! What you spend stays in the community!

“When men are most sure and arrogant, they are commonly most mistaken.” ~ David Hume, Scottish Philosopher (1711-1776).