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the bottom 25%. So is “The Wealth of Nations” a book about an economic jungle, with everyone mercilessly out for themselves?

For sure not. Smith is author of another book called “The Theory of Moral Sentiments.” Here he adds the moral perspective of the importance of self-knowledge, empathy to others and meaning.

In other words, the “secret sauce,” so to speak, is allowing individuals the freedom to take responsibility for their lives and to bring their own unique talents and perspective to the marketplace, serving others through empathy and knowledge and moral responsibility.

What about technology?

Technology is the great disrupter. New discoveries and inventions bring to the marketplace new and better ways to do things, upsetting the whole existing apple cart of the way things have been.

There are always going to be those afraid of change, wanting to keep things as they are. Or wanting government to step in and abridge our freedom and our ability to take full advantage of and to use properly new technologies.

The fear of change is not without legitimacy. Technology is a tool in the hands of men.

How that technology is used depends on how human beings choose to use it: for good, or for bad.

The steam engine, the automobile, the computer, nuclear energy, laptops, the iPhone. All great disrupters.

Nuclear power has great power to destroy or to produce clean, cheap electricity. The iPhone provides unprecedented communication freedom and mobility. But it can also cause addiction. Social media provides new dimensions for communication and social cohesion. Or it can also provide a platform for horrible distortions and social destruction.

The technology grabbing headlines now is artificial intelligence, or AI.

Like other technological breakthroughs, it can do great things or horrible things.

Which it will be is not a function of the technology but a function of the human beings using it.

To go back to “The Wealth of Nations,” the great bounty is produced when people are given freedom and when those same people take responsibility for knowing what is good and knowing what is evil and acting accordingly.

Freedom means creativity.

The United States constitutes less the 5% of the world’s total population.

Yet, Americans account for some 50% of all Nobel prizes since the prizes began in 1901.

As we celebrate this year, let’s embrace our freedom, and let’s push back on those so ready to concede it.

But let’s remember at every moment we are a free nation under God, which is the answer to using our freedom correctly.

Star Parker is founder of the Center for Urban Renewal and Education. Her recent book, “What Is the CURE for America?” is available now. To find out more about Star Parker and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators. com. COPYRIGHT 2026 CREATORS. COM