Adam Smith, in his famous book The Wealth Of Nations argued that a free-market economy is largely self-regulating. He metaphorically described an "invisible hand" that brings supply and demand into balance. He also warned against the danger of economic monopolies, which prevent competition and therefore prevent the normal functioning of the invisible hand.
He advocated capitalism, but not unrestrained capitalism. He believed that while a free market leads to growth and wealth creation for all, some government regulation is necessary to prevent collusion and corruption. Unrestrained capitalism would lead to concentrations of wealth and power.
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