invisible hand

[in-viz-uh-buhl hand]

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.

invisible hand

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of invisible hand¹

First recorded in 1775–80

Example Sentences

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

Twenty years after “A Million Ways,” the mechanics of cultural connection have transformed again thanks to social media and TikTok, where what you encounter as you scroll is guided by the invisible hand of data analysis.

From Los Angeles Times

But Smith’s best-known works and ideas — the 1776 book "The Wealth of Nations," his invisible hand theory — have been misappropriated over the years, twisted into support for capitalism as some sort of morally good, biologically determined atom-smashing that takes place anytime two or more humans exchange goods or services.

From Salon

We sometimes talk about these things as if there's an invisible hand that dictates our politics, right?

From Salon

In those markets, as famously illustrated by Adam Smith’s “invisible hand,” thoughtful buyers and sellers create efficient outcomes as a result of their pursuit of personal profit.

From Salon