Important people in history are typically commemorated on their birthdays. But some have unknown birthdays, making that tradition difficult to honor. For example, Adam Smith, history’s most famous economist, illustrates such difficulties. Some sources list his birth as June 16, 1723 while others put it on June 5 of that year (due to the use of different calendars). Still others say we don’t know when he was born but give one of those dates as when he was baptized, of which we do have a record.
Despite that problem, we are certain that this year is the tricentennial of Adam Smith’s birth, making this a very appropriate time to remember him and celebrate his valuable insights.