Powerful ideas from top nonfiction
Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.
Start your free trial
Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
Listen to the Intro
The Theory of Moral Sentiments summary
Adam Smith
The Foundations of Human Kindness
4 mins
Topics
Table of Contents
The Theory of Moral Sentiments
Summary of 2 key ideas
Audio & text in the Blinkist app
Key idea 1 of 2
One big idea: The heart of human morality.
The Theory of Moral Sentiments, written by the Scottish economist and philosopher Adam Smith, is a profound exploration of the nature of morality and human relationships. Published in 1759, this work delves into how individuals develop moral judgments based on empathy, the capacity to understand the emotions of others, and the notion of the “impartial spectator” – an internalized objective perspective through which people evaluate their own and others’ actions. And this impartial perspective is exactly what this short Blink will be focusing on.
Want to see all full key ideas from The Theory of Moral Sentiments?
Key ideas in The Theory of Moral Sentiments
More knowledge in less time
Read or listen
Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.
Find your next read
Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.
Shortcasts New
We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.
What is The Theory of Moral Sentiments about?
First released in 1759, The Theory of Moral Sentiments examines empathy as the primary driving force behind moral judgment, influencing everything from personal relationships to societal norms.
The Theory of Moral Sentiments Review
The Theory of Moral Sentiments (1759) explores the nature of human morality and the role of empathy in shaping social interactions. Here's why this book is worth a read:
- Illustrates the importance of empathy and social bonds in moral philosophy, offering profound insights into human behavior and relationships.
- Encourages readers to reflect on the foundations of ethical behavior and the principles that guide our moral judgments and decisions.
- Provides a thought-provoking exploration of human nature and the moral sentiments that drive our actions, ensuring that the content remains engaging and relevant.
Who should read The Theory of Moral Sentiments?
- Philosophy enthusiasts
- Social science students
- Readers interested in human behavior
Categories with The Theory of Moral Sentiments
Book summaries like The Theory of Moral Sentiments
People ❤️ Blinkist
Sven O.
It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.
Thi Viet Quynh N.
Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.
Jonathan A.
Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.
Renee D.
Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.
People also liked these summaries
4.7 Stars
Average ratings on iOS and Google Play
32 Million
Downloads on all platforms
10+ years
Experience igniting personal growth
The Theory of Moral Sentiments FAQs
What is the main message of The Theory of Moral Sentiments?
The main message of The Theory of Moral Sentiments is to explore human nature and the moral principles that guide our actions.
How long does it take to read The Theory of Moral Sentiments?
The estimated reading time for The Theory of Moral Sentiments is hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in a short time.
Is The Theory of Moral Sentiments a good book? Is it worth reading?
The Theory of Moral Sentiments is worth reading for its insights into ethics and social behavior.
Who is the author of The Theory of Moral Sentiments?
The author of The Theory of Moral Sentiments is Adam Smith.
What to read after The Theory of Moral Sentiments?
If you're wondering what to read next after The Theory of Moral Sentiments, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- On the Genealogy of Morals by Friedrich Nietzsche
- In Praise of Folly by Erasmus
- Escape from Freedom by Erich Fromm
- The Black Cat by Edgar Allen Poe
- The Death of Ivan Ilyich by Leo Tolstoy
- The Cost of Discipleship by Dietrich Bonhoeffer
- Simulacra and Simulation by Jean Baudrillard
- The End of Race Politics by Coleman Hughes
- How Adam Smith Can Change Your Life by Russ Roberts
- The Little Book of Stoicism by Jonas Salzgeber