Freakonomics and Best New Ideas in Money both released podcast episodes today on Adam Smith, father of economics. Often "The Wealth of Nations" is used to justify laissez-faire capitalism. He was more complex and wanted the government to help the poor. His work is often quoted out of context and his other book, "The Theory of Moral Sentiments" doesn't get as much attention. His views were complex and nuanced.
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/525-in-search-of-the-real-adam-smith/id354668519?i=1000589333538
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-adam-smith-became-an-icon-of-capitalism/id1587222768?i=1000589364950