Adam Smith changed how we think about money and business when he wrote about butchers, brewers, and bakers. He noticed something amazing about how people work and trade. These business owners don't wake up each morning thinking about how to help their customers. They think about making money for themselves and their families. Yet somehow, this personal focus ultimately benefits everyone.
The butcher wants to sell meat because he needs to earn an income. The brewer makes beer because brewing pays his bills. The baker bakes bread because customers give him money for it. Each person focuses on their personal needs and wants. They want to earn enough to buy food, pay rent, and maybe save some cash for later.
When the butcher focuses on...