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# Natural Progress of Improvement

## Definition

The inherent tendency of societies to accumulate capital and improve through
individual efforts to better their condition, protected by law and allowed by
liberty. This principle frequently restores health to the economic
constitution despite government extravagance and administrative errors.

## Source Chapter

Book II, Chapter 3

## Context

Smith's optimistic conclusion that individual self-interest and frugality
generally overcome government interference, allowing England's progress toward
opulence despite public prodigality.

## Economic Domain

General Theory

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