亚当·斯密在英国资本主义上升时期第一个深刻地论述了市场运行的机制作用。他认为社会经济活动存在着自然的、客观的规律,顺应这些规律,让其自发地发挥作用即他所说的“看不见的手的指导”才最有利于国民财富的增长。“自由放任”是他整个经济学说的中心,也是经济政策的基本原则。亚当·斯密的经济理论对英国乃至世界资本主义的发展曾起过巨大的促进作用,而 Adam Smith, the first time in the rise of British capitalism, discussed the mechanism of market operation deeply. He believes that there is a natural and objective law of social and economic activities. Following these laws and allowing them to act spontaneously, what he calls the “guidance of an invisible hand” is most conducive to the growth of national wealth. “Free laissez-faire” is the center of his entire economic theory and the basic principle of economic policy. Adam Smith's economic theory has played a huge role in promoting the development of capitalism in the United Kingdom and the world.