tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3141151472637586131.post1914331522163109841..comments2009-11-20T08:29:14.755-05:00James R. Otteson PhDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00873911921802006060noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3141151472637586131.post-52244118168311370552009-11-20T08:29:14.755-05:002009-11-20T08:29:14.755-05:00It is odd, to say the least. I think he's suggesting that although luxury has its benefits, it has liabilities too--and that among the liabilities is decreased fertility. It may also contain a hint of criticism at the haughtiness of the rich (their wealth makes them weaklings), and at the same time praise for the hardiness of the (poor) Highlanders. Smith elsewhere praises the hardiness, courage, and self-discipline of the American Indians; perhaps there is some of that sentiment here.James R. Otteson PhDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00873911921802006060noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3141151472637586131.post-56851181822147706822009-11-19T21:53:38.228-05:002009-11-19T21:53:38.228-05:00I'm not sure what to make of this passage. Can you please explain the intuition behind this observation?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com