# Advertisement to the Sixth Edition explained — The Theory of Moral Sentiments

> Chapter companion for The Theory of Moral Sentiments by Adam Smith.

## What happens

Smith explains that since the first publication in 1759, he has made several corrections and illustrations to the work, but was prevented from revising it until now due to various occupations. He outlines the principal alterations: a new chapter in Part I, four new chapters in Part III, an entirely new Part VI, and reorganization of passages on Stoical philosophy in Part VII. He also notes minor corrections and reaffirms his intention to write a theory of jurisprudence, though he acknowledges his advanced age makes completion uncertain.

## Key lines

> Since the first publication of The Theory of Moral Sentiments, which was in the beginning of the year 1759, several corrections, and a good many illustrations of the doctrines contained in it, have occurred to me.

Since the book first came out in early 1759, I have thought of many corrections and clarifications to its ideas.

_Smith introduces the purpose of the new edition._

> Part Sixth, as it stands in this New Edition, is altogether new.

The entire Part Six in this edition is completely new material.

_Highlights a major structural change in the sixth edition._

> Though my very advanced age leaves me, I acknowledge, very little expectation of ever being able to execute this great work to my own satisfaction; yet, as I have not altogether abandoned the design, and as I wish still to continue under the obligation of doing what I can, I have allowed the paragraph to remain as it was published more than thirty years ago.

Although I am very old and unlikely to complete this large project to my liking, I have not given up on it and still feel obliged to try, so I have kept the original promise from thirty years ago.

_Smith reflects on his unfinished plan for a theory of jurisprudence._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_theory_of_moral_sentiments_se/chapters/advertisement-to-the-sixth-edition
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_theory_of_moral_sentiments_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_theory_of_moral_sentiments_se/chapters