Contract or coincidence: George Herbert Mead and Adam Smith on self and society

Many critics have noted the resemblance of George Herbert Mead's 'Social Psychology' and Adam Smith's 'Theory of Moral Sentiments' (TMS). However, no connection was established between the two books. The relationship between Mead's and Smith's works, including the different treatments made by commentators, showed strong probability that Mead knew Smith's TMS. The author's works also showed similarity in discussing the nature of self and society.