Adam Smith Memorialised

The Adam Smith Institute, the free-market think tank named eponymously after the renowned Scottish philosopher and father of modern economics, have engaged Sandy Stoddart, a leading Scottish sculptor to create a 20ft high broze statue of Smith for Edinburgh's Royal Mile. Edinburgh City Council said "It has been provisionally agreed that a site on the Royal Mile, north of the Trongate, should be secured for the father of modern-day economics, with his statue positioned to look down the High Street to the Canongate where he lived."
I think this is great for two reasons;

• I'm a statue fan - there is not nearly enough done in this regard to pay homage to the great and, through highlighting their contribution to society, inspire us all to live up to their legacy.
• Adam Smith was a genius, he shaped the world we live in. There are statues to some of the most bogus of people (not to mention a particular dog) kicking around this town yet Smith goes virtually unrecognised.

Assuming planning permission is granted then fundraising will start in earnest.

"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 interest. We address ourselves, not to their humanity but to their self-love, and never talk to them of our own necessities but of their advantages." - Adam Smith, Wealth of Nations

Posted by Paul in Heritage Edinburgh at June 3, 2004 04:32 AM