885 B
885 B
Natural Preference Cultivation
Definition
The inherent human inclination toward agricultural employment that persists across all stages of economic development, reflecting what Smith identifies as humanity's original destination. This preference influences capital allocation decisions and explains why people generally favor land ownership over commercial pursuits when given equal opportunities.
Source Chapter
Book III, Chapter 1
Context
Smith presents this natural preference as evidence for the inherent superiority of agricultural investment and as an explanation for the observed patterns of capital allocation in developing economies, demonstrating how human nature shapes economic development.
Economic Domain
General Theory