It sounds like something from a theologian or self-help guru. But those words were penned by Adam Smith, author of “The Wealth of Nations,” the late-18th-century work considered the first real book on economics.

Robert Litan: According to Adam Smith, many of us do good things because we want others to approve and admire us. Mr. Roberts explores implications of this and other Smith insights.

Robert Litan: According to Adam Smith, many of us do good things because we want others to approve and admire us. Mr. Roberts explores implications of this and other Smith insights.