Smith uses the metaphor in the context of an argument against protectionism and government regulation of markets, but it is based on very broad principles developed by Bernard Mandeville, Bishop Butler, Lord Shaftesbury, and Francis Hutcheson.
Smith používá metaforu v kontextu argumentu proti protekcionismu a řízení trhu státem, ale metafora vychází z obecných principů Bernarda Mandevilly, Bishopa Butlera, Lorda Shaftesburyho a Francise Hutchesona.