Throughout history, the world's great thinkers and philosophers have attempted to define the most efficient and effective way to obtain knowledge. As mankind has progressed into a more civilized society, these philosophers have debated the way man should live his life in order to obtain the highest level of intellect and subsequent happiness. Specifically, Adam Smith's The Theory of Moral Sentiments, Immanuel Kant's What is Enlightenment?, and Mary Wollstonecraft's A Vindication of the Rights of Woman provide reader's with suggestions on the most effective way to obtain the proper knowledge that enables society to progress. Each of these author's share the feeling that knowledge is imperative to the success of humankind, while still providing their own unique interpretations of the most effective method to obtaining knowledge and enlightenment.
Adam Smith's "The Theory of Moral Sentiments" was the first of these three works, having been written in 1759. Smith believes that the behavior of man is primarily based on self-interest, but is governed by sympathy he feels for others. He explains "when the happiness or misery of others depends in any respect upon our conduct, we dare not, as self–love might suggest to us, prefer the interest of one to that of many" (Smith III.I.47). He believes that the downfall of man occurs when he values his own personal interests over the interests of many, stating that "we value ourselves too much and other people too little, and that, by doing so, we render ourselves the proper object of the contempt and indignation of our brethren" (Smith III.I.47) Basically, Smith is attempting to reveal that man's actions are a product of his personal interests, as long as the personal gain he receives from said actions outweighs the subsequent negative impact on others. Although Smith believes that the personal interests of others govern man's actions, he also feels that "that religion enforces the natural sense of duty" (Smith III.
