invisible hand

[ in-viz-uh-buhl hand ]

noun

1. (in the economics of Adam Smith) an unseen force or mechanism that guides individuals to unwittingly benefit society through the pursuit of their private interests.

invisible hand

1. A term used by Adam Smith to describe his belief that individuals seeking their economic self-interest actually benefit society more than they would if they tried to benefit society directly. The statement “ What's good for the country is good for General Motors, and vice versa ” expresses essentially the same belief.

Word History and Origins

Origin of invisible hand¹

First recorded in 1775–80

Example Sentences

She felt as if an invisible hand were trying to erase Ekpar.

From ProPublica

We need impact, the invisible heart of markets, to guide their invisible hand in order to achieve a safer, fairer and more sustainable world.

From Time

And, the theory goes, the invisible hand of the market ensures the outcomes for society are optimal.

From Time

When it comes to the behaviors that evolve by within-group selection, there is no invisible hand to permute selfishness into the common good.

From Nautilus

Griffin is herself a character in the novel, the invisible hand on the other end of the tape recorder in all the interviews.

From The Daily Beast

As in all economic transformations, the invisible hand of the market can only take us so far.

From The Daily Beast

With an invisible hand she gently and winningly touched the springs of action in other hearts.

From Project Gutenberg

She felt a movement of the air close beside her and an invisible hand was drawn across her eyelids.

From Project Gutenberg

Though the princess shuddered, she consented, and the invisible hand was passed over her neck and throat.

From Project Gutenberg

Accidentally, so far as related to herself, Ruth went and gleaned in the field of Boaz; but she was guided by an invisible hand.

From Project Gutenberg

Her faith discerned an invisible hand, and rejoiced in an omniscient superintendance.

From Project Gutenberg