The Wealth of Nations · Chapter
Book II: Of the Nature, Accumulation, and Employment of Stock explained
This book examines the nature, accumulation, and employment of stock, distinguishing between capital used for immediate consumption and fixed or circulating capital, and discussing how stock is accumulated and employed to generate revenue.
What happens
This book examines the nature, accumulation, and employment of stock, distinguishing between capital used for immediate consumption and fixed or circulating capital, and discussing how stock is accumulated and employed to generate revenue.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
This passage marks the story's dramatic climax because it presents the emotional and psychological peak of Smi…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Wealth and Money
Discusses the nature of stock and its accumulation as a form of wealth.
- Division of Labor
Implied in the employment of stock to support specialized productive labor.
Characters to notice
- Adam Smith
Author and narrator of the analysis on stock.
- The Employer
Represents those who employ stock in productive labor.
- A Workman
Represents laborers whose work is supported by stock.
Key passages
“Of the nature, accumulation, and employment of stock.”
This book explores what stock is, how it is gathered, and how it is used.
Opening statement of the chapter's focus.
