The Wealth of Nations is a seminal work of economic theory by the Scottish economist Adam Smith. It was published in 1776 and is one of the first treatises outlining the purpose of the free market. The book remains the single most important account of the rise of modern capitalism. Written in clear and incisive prose, it articulates the concepts indispensable to an understanding of contemporary society. Smith begins the book by telling us that his goal is to lay out why some nations are wealthier than other nations; it is not that other countries work harder or have better resources. For Adam Smith, the answer is free trade. Smith walks us through the foundation of money and the ways that money makes trade easier. He closes the book with a discussion about a few systems that should fall outside the realm of the free market. A major theme of the book is the concept of wealth building.