William Smart was a Scottish economist and philosopher known for his contributions to the fields of value theory and labor economics. His notable works, including 'An Introduction to the Theory of Value: On the Lines of Menger, Weiser, and Böhm-Bawerk,' reflect his engagement with the Austrian School of economics, exploring the nuances of value and its implications for economic theory. Smart's analysis was characterized by a rigorous approach to economic principles, drawing on the intellectual traditions of his time while also critiquing and expanding upon them. In addition to his economic writings, Smart was an advocate for women's rights, as evidenced by his work 'Women's Wages,' which examined the economic conditions and wage disparities faced by women in the labor market. His critical study 'A Disciple of Plato, a Critical Study of J. Ruskin' highlights his philosophical interests and his ability to weave together economic thought with broader cultural and philosophical discussions. Smart's legacy lies in his contributions to economic theory and social reform, advocating for a more equitable society through his scholarly work.
“A smart person is not one that knows the answers, but one who knows where to find them...””
“I'm not smart, but I like to observe.Millions saw the apple fall, but Newton was the one who asked why,””
“There were some dirty platesand a glass of milkbeside her on a small tablenear the rank, disheveled bed--Wrinkled and nearly blindshe lay and snoredrousing with anger in her tonesto cry for food,Gimme something to eat--They're starving me--I'm all right--I won't goto the hospital. No, no, noGive me something to eat!Let me take youto the hospital, I saidand after you are wellyou can do as you please.She smiled, Yesyou do what you please firstthen I can do what I please--Oh, oh, oh! she criedas the ambulance men liftedher to the stretcher--Is this what you callmaking me comfortable?By now her mind was clear--Oh you think you're smartyou young people,she said, but I'll tell youyou don't know anything.Then we started.On the waywe passed a long rowof elms. She looked at themawhile out ofthe ambulance window and said,What are all thosefuzzy looking things out there?Trees? Well, I'm tiredof them and rolled her head away.””