Why did Adam Smith consider sympathy important to human society?

Adam Smith, a prominent Scottish philosopher, viewed sympathy as a fundamental component of human nature that works alongside reason to regulate human behavior.1

In his work The Theory of Moral Sentiments, Smith argued that while humans are driven by self-interest and instinctual passions, their capacity for sympathy provides the moral faculty necessary to mitigate conflict. This ability allows individuals to look beyond their own immediate desires and consider the perspectives of others, serving as a social glue that helps transform individual struggles into outcomes that can benefit the common good.1

By fostering this internal regulation, sympathy enables the development of social institutions and helps socialize individuals to function within a broader society. Smith’s focus on these moral sentiments provides the psychological foundation for understanding how self-interested actors can ultimately contribute to the advancement of society's interests.1