Writing in 1776, Adam Smith was concerned with not only the profound effects of the division of labor on productivity (as your textbook notes) but also its stultifying effect on the human capacity. In The Wealth of Nations, Smith warned that performing a few simple operations over and over again could render any worker, no matter his or her native intelligence, "stupid and ignorant."

a. Does the division of labor in today's economy continue to have both these effects?

b. What are the policy implications? (Radical)