Question

This excerpt is from The Wealth of Nations by Adam Smith.

“It is not from the benevolence of the butcher, the brewer, or the baker that we expect our dinner, but from their regard to their own self-interest.”

Which statement best explains Smith’s point?

Businesses acting in their own interests expect something in return for their services.
Businesses acting in their own interests give away goods in hopes that consumers will return.
Businesses such as butchers, brewers, and bakers are kind hearted and help feed people dinner.
Businesses give away their products but want money for the services they provide.

Answer 1

"Businesses acting in their own interests expect something in return for their services."

Adam Smith means that producers provide goods not out of kindness but to earn a profit (i.e., in pursuit of their own self-interest).