Was Adam Smith truly the champion of liberty we think he was? This paper examines the concept of *liberty* in Adam Smith's work, challenging the notion that he was simply a defender of natural liberty and limited government intervention. While Smith advocated for individual self-interest and the removal of the State from directing the economy, this paper investigates the nuances of his thought to uncover a more complex understanding of liberty. Suggesting that there is a 'problem' with the view may strike some as strange. This paper attempts to go further into Smith's work. By delving into Smith’s writings, the author explores potential tensions and contradictions within his philosophy, questioning whether his advocacy for individual freedom aligns perfectly with the concept of negative liberty in modern liberal thought. This analysis is relevant to understanding *economic theory*.
Fitting for the _Journal of the History of Economic Thought_, this paper explores the intellectual history surrounding Adam Smith's ideas on liberty. The paper contributes to ongoing scholarly debates regarding Smith's legacy and his influence on economic thought.