Adam Smith’s landmark treatise on the free market paved the way for modern capitalism, arguing that competition is the engine of a productive society, and that self-interest will eventually come to enrich the whole community, as if by an ‘invisible hand’.Throughout history, some books have changed the world.They have transformed the way we see ourselves – and each other.They have inspired debate, dissent, war and revolution.They have enlightened, outraged, provoked and comforted.They have enriched lives – and destroyed them. Now Penguin brings you the works of the great thinkers, pioneers, radicals and visionaries whose ideas shook civilization and helped make us who we are.