classical economics, also called classical political economy, was the original form of mainstream economics of the 18th and 19th centuries. classical economics focuses on the tendency of markets to move to equilibrium and on objective theories of value. neo-classical economics differs from classical economics primarily in being utilitarian in its value theory and using marginal theory as the basis of its models and equations. marxian economics also descends from classical theory. anders chydenius (1729–1803) was the leading classical liberal of nordic history. chydenius, who was a finnish priest and member of parliament, published a book called "the national gain" in 1765, in which he proposes ideas of freedom of trade and industry and explores the relationship between economy and society and lays out the principles of liberalism, all of this eleven years before adam smith published a similar and more comprehensive book, "the wealth of nations". according to chydenius, democracy, equality and a respect for human rights were the only way towards progress and happiness for the whole of society.