The Importance of Approbation in The Wealth of Nations.

The article demonstrates the importance of the quest for approbation according to Adam Smith's book "The Wealth of Nations" by analyzing the aspects of employment. Topics discussed include the foundational principle of approval and judgment of friends, role of approbation in the nonpecuniary aspects of employment, collusion enforced by mutual approbation and as an explanation of the product market, and approbation of the teachers of established religions that flows from their monopoly position.