“Unnecessarily Helpful” [“Reflections On Adam Smith's Book An Inquiry Into The Nature And Causes Of The Wealth Of Nations Indianapolis : Liberty Classics, 1981 (Vol.I and II) Book 1, pp.44-46 - Chapter 4AC”]

When reading in Smith’s shift to chapter five
I got confused, but thought once more revived
When I made clusters of same-meaning terms –
My diagram became a snap to learn.

First thing he states – two meanings “Value” has –
“Use-value” (bike’s “utility” – like Jazz
To teen on a mobile phone – it smooths his day
When navigating peer-group’s tricky ways).

Smith does not mention he won’t speak in book
At all of meanings such – just takes a look
At “Use” because it’s silent, in behind
(Irrelevant to thought he has in mind).

For “Market value” (in six other terms)
Is what he ponders – that much I have learned;
It does not bear resemblance to a “Use”
A bike might have – once “Market value’s” loose.

He says it’s “Market value” on the tag
We see in store-bought bikes – just like a flag
Designed to call attention, draw you in –
It fluctuates a lot (where he begins).

He’s going to take three chapters to spell out
The principles, or rules, so there’s no doubt
In readers’ mind why “Market prices” shift;
And what exactly makes them sink or lift.

He posits there’s a “Normal” price, in range
Of other prices, scaled as prices change;
And sees there’s things that keep the market-price
From syncing up with “Normal” (so not “Right”).

In store, a product’s “Use” is not in sight;
It’s “Market price” that shifts twixt day and night;
So this should be a merry ride indeed,
As “Market price” plays out in terms of “Greed”.

’Course Smith calls “Greed” by nicer terms by far –
“The unseen hand”, “Self-interest” for, by Gar,
It’s satan’s domination of the sod
Which we’ve bought into (seems to me quite odd).

For Smith assumes the mess we’ve made is nice;
The way we treat each other will suffice
To do the time out, “Do no harm” says one;
“Take part” another says, “If it seems fun”.

So Lord, I thank You for this clearer view
From reading these last chapters, after You
Have led me through his convoluted thought –
Perhaps book will make clear what mankind’s wrought.

Thanks Lord for this.

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