Every individual is continually exerting himself to find out the most advantageous employment for whatever capital he can command. It is his own advantage, indeed, and not that of the society which he has in view. But the study of his own advantage naturally leads him to prefer that employment which is most advantageous to the society. Background information: Adam Smith published The Wealth of Nations in 1776. In this passage, he discusses the principle of self-interest in a capitalist system.

According to Smith, what is the primary economic motivation for most people?

to find employment where they can improve society
to find employment where they can make the most money
to find a line of work where they can own their own business
to find work only out of necessity