# I: Of the Order in Which Individuals Are Recommended by Nature to Our Care and Attention explained — The Theory of Moral Sentiments

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

## What happens

Smith explores the natural order of our affections and beneficence, beginning with self-care, then family, then friends, and finally the rich and poor. He emphasizes the role of habitual sympathy and the impartial spectator in guiding moral conduct, and discusses how nature prioritizes social order through respect for rank and fortune.

## Themes in this chapter

### Sympathy as the Foundation of Moral Judgment

Smith argues that habitual sympathy is the basis of affection and moral concern, and that the impartial spectator's voice guides our decisions.

### The Impartial Spectator

The impartial spectator is invoked as the ultimate arbiter when different affections conflict, such as between friendship and gratitude.

### Self-Love and the Social Order

Smith explains that self-care is natural and primary, but that nature also directs us to care for others in a graduated order, supporting social harmony.

## Character check-ins

### Voltaire

Cited for his tragedy 'The Orphan of China', illustrating the conflict between parental affection and patriotic duty.

### Zeno

Referenced as a Stoic source for the idea that every man is first recommended to his own care.

## Key lines

> Every man, as the Stoics used to say, is first and principally recommended to his own care; and every man is certainly, in every respect, fitter and abler to take care of himself than of any other person.

Each person is naturally entrusted first to their own self-care, and is better equipped to manage their own affairs than anyone else's.

_Smith introduces the Stoic principle of self-preference as the foundation of his moral order._

> If we place ourselves completely in his situation, if we really view ourselves with his eyes, and as he views us, and listen with diligent and reverential attention to what he suggests to us, his voice will never deceive us.

By fully adopting the perspective of the impartial spectator and heeding his guidance, we can always trust our moral judgments.

_Smith emphasizes the reliability of the impartial spectator as a moral compass._

> The distinction of ranks, the peace and order of society, are, in a great measure, founded upon the respect which we naturally conceive for the former. The relief and consolation of human misery depend altogether upon our compassion for the latter.

Social hierarchy and stability rest on our natural respect for the rich and powerful, while our compassion for the poor and wretched is essential for alleviating suffering.

_Smith highlights the dual role of respect and compassion in maintaining social order._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_theory_of_moral_sentiments_se/chapters/i-of-the-order-in-which-individuals-are-recommended-by-nature-to-our-care-and-attention
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_theory_of_moral_sentiments_se
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