According to Adam Smith, what is the mechanism that best regulates the economy?

Adam Smith introduced the concept of the "invisible hand" to describe the self-regulating nature of a free market economy. This metaphor illustrates how individuals, pursuing their own self-interest, inadvertently contribute to the overall economic well-being of society. For example, when consumers seek to buy goods that meet their needs and preferences, producers are motivated to provide those goods at competitive prices, leading to an efficient allocation of resources.

The invisible hand mechanism operates without the need for direct intervention or control by external forces, such as the government. It emphasizes how market forces, through the interactions of supply and demand, naturally guide the economy towards equilibrium, fostering innovation, efficiency, and growth in the process. This principle highlights the belief in capitalism that individuals working for their own benefit can create positive outcomes for society as a whole.

While market forces and consumer demand are crucial components of economic regulation, they are considered part of the broader concept represented by the invisible hand, rather than mechanisms that operate independently from it.