Development by Consent – Econlib

March 2026 marked the 250^th anniversary of the publication of An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations (1776) by Adam Smith. However, Smith’s journey as a thinker began with The Theory of Moral Sentiments (1759), which laid the foundation for his more famous work. In TMS, Smith critiques the “man of system” who imposes his ideal schemes on others, contrasting him with the humble “man of public spirit” who relies on persuasion rather than coercion.

Throughout history, many experts have acted as men of system, enforcing their beliefs on others through colonialism and slavery. William Easterly challenges this approach in his book Violent Saviors (2025), advocating for a more liberal view of development economics. He emphasizes the importance of freedom, dignity, and consent in shaping economic policies, echoing Smith’s belief in voluntary cooperation over imposed designs.

Easterly highlights the conflict between “saviors” who believe in expert-led development and “skeptics” who advocate for individual and community agency. This debate traces back to Smith’s critique of paternalistic imperialism and his vision of progress through peaceful commerce rather than coercion.

Both Smith and Easterly emphasize the autonomy of individuals and communities in development planning. They reject coercive measures in favor of mutual consent and respect for human dignity. For them, the moral legitimacy of exchange lies in its voluntary nature, not just in its economic outcomes.

As we commemorate Smith’s enduring legacy, we recognize Easterly as a worthy successor in advocating for liberty, equality, and justice in economic development. Together, they remind us that true progress lies not just in wealth accumulation, but in upholding the values of dignity, respect, and individual freedom.