Key Concepts

Impartial Spectator

We commonly refer to this as our “conscience”—that little voice inside us that tells us right from wrong. Smith said it was more than that. That we imagine someone watching us, evaluating our behavior, being unhappy with us when we make poor choices that make us “unlovely” or “unlikeable.” Smith said we all want to be liked, to be considered “lovely” (aka “good people”) so we want the Spectator’s approval.