I have highlighted two giants in the field, Adam Smith and John Maynard Keynes. But there are many different schools of economic theory, and many derivatives of those schools.
There are even some capitalists wish never existed, some about as different as Smith as you can imagine.
Karl Heinrich Marx (May 5, 1818 – March 14, 1883) was a German philosopher, political economist, historian and political theorist, sociologist, communist, and revolutionary, whose ideas are credited as the foundation of modern communism.
In many ways, the Communism is the antithesis of the Capitalism, though the financial professional needs to be well educated, and should have at least a casual understanding of the influences of socialism.
Marx is cited as much, if not more, than Smith, and certainly more than Keynes. Having an informed viewpoint means you have reviewed all contextual sources and formed your own opinion. This is the essence of psychological empowerment through enlightenment on both intellectual and psychological levels.
For instance, Marx summarized his approach in the first line of chapter one of The Communist Manifesto, published in 1848: “The history of all hitherto existing society is the history of class struggles.” Marx argued that capitalism, like previous socioeconomic systems, would inevitably produce internal tensions which would lead to its destruction. Just as capitalism replaced feudalism, he believed socialism would, in its turn, replace capitalism, and lead to a stateless, classless society called pure communism. This would emerge after a transitional period called the “dictatorship of the proletariat:” a period sometimes referred to as the “workers state” or “workers’ democracy.”
I know, such musings make most FPs shudder. But think about this for a moment. Along that trajectory, you had Adam Smith who espoused that a free market economy could run on its own steam: automatic pilot. Keynes then advocated for strategic intervention to address crises. And, Marx proposed eliminating capitalism in favor of a socialist society.
These three figures were polarizing, providing theories that have been subsequently wildly extrapolated and manipulated to suit different purposes. Yet within the complex folds of these sources you can draw out points to support your own empowerment.
Within the narrow confines of these theories lies your reality. And, broadening your intellectual horizons can only enable you to develop your own sound theories and be better at your craft. Think for yourself and utilize/incorporate any data which sharpens your focus, goals, and skill sets. Listen to yourself.