invisible hand

American  

[in-viz-uh-buhl hand] / ɪnˈvɪz ə bəl ˈhænd /

noun

1. (in the economics of Adam Smith) an unseen force or mechanism that guides individuals to unwittingly benefit society through the pursuit of their private interests.

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invisible hand Cultural  

1. A term used by Adam Smith to describe his belief that individuals seeking their economic self-interest actually benefit society more than they would if they tried to benefit society directly. The statement “What's good for the country is good for General Motors, and vice versa” expresses essentially the same belief.

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Etymology

Origin of invisible hand

First recorded in 1775–80

Example Sentences

So, it may not rate as much of a surprise if, as Hartnett et al. put it, there is a further transition from an “invisible hand” of the market to the “visible fist” of government controls.

From Barron's

So, it may not rate as much of a surprise if, as Hartnett et al. put it, there is a further transition from an “invisible hand” of the market to the “visible fist” of government controls.

From Barron's

The videos often seem to come from nowhere — devoid of any context like names, locations or professions — and pop onto a young man’s phone screen, guided by the invisible hand of the algorithm.

From Salon

Adam Smith’s invisible hand has developed a deranged sense of humor.

From MarketWatch

Harvard theologian Harvey Cox pegged this tendency to exalt the Invisible Hand in lieu of a distant and unknowable god before the turn of this century, and it’s held strong through at least three global economic shocks.

From Salon