"No society can surely be flourishing and happy, of which the far greater part of the members are poor and miserable"

Adam Smith’s observation highlights the intrinsic relationship between societal well-being and the conditions of its members. He asserts that for a society to truly prosper, its growth and happiness cannot be measured solely by the achievements or comforts of a privileged minority. Instead, genuine flourishing is inextricably linked to the welfare of the broader population, especially those occupying its lower economic strata.

When the majority of individuals within a society experience poverty and misery, social cohesion deteriorates. The prevalence of deprivation sows alienation, diminishing trust and solidarity among citizens. Prosperity that is limited to a select few creates imbalances, fostering resentment and instability. Such conditions erode the foundational principles upon which thriving communities are built: mutual respect, opportunity, and shared progress. Economic hardship is not just a matter of material deficit, but often leads to reduced access to education, healthcare, and the political process. This further entrenches inequality, limiting social mobility and dimming the prospects of future generations.

Smith’s insight challenges any notion that wealth at the top is a sufficient indicator of success. Beyond superficial measures like gross domestic product or luxury consumption, he points toward a deeper, more holistic sense of happiness, one rooted in dignity, comfort, and opportunity for all. Societies enduring widespread misery, regardless of the opulence enjoyed by an elite minority, cannot claim genuine advancement or happiness in the truest sense.

Furthermore, Smith implies a moral imperative: those shaping policy and governance owe their attention to the most vulnerable. Only by ensuring that the “far greater part” of a population can escape poverty and lead fulfilling lives does a society attain true prosperity. Enduring happiness is collective, not exclusive. Economic structures and policies must thus aim for inclusive improvement, not merely the aggregation of wealth or power among the few.