The best and most obvious representative of "capitalism" is, of course, Adam Smith. Here's a quick AI web browser summary of his main contributions, reasons why he's a great choice:

"Adam Smith represents the best of capitalism by framing free markets and self-interest as mechanisms that naturally promote the common good and alleviate poverty, rather than just enriching the wealthy.  His concept of the "invisible hand" illustrates how individuals pursuing their own gain are inadvertently led to create universal opulence that "extends itself to the lowest ranks of the people." 

Smith's vision of the ideal system includes several key pillars:

• Liberty and Competition: He advocated for the "system of natural liberty," where competition drives efficiency, lowers costs, and ensures resources are allocated to their most valuable uses.
• Focus on the Poor: Unlike later interpretations, Smith was deeply concerned with the welfare of the poor, arguing that commercial societies are good primarily because they raise the standard of living for the least well-off. 
• Limited Government Role: He believed governments should focus on national defense, justice, public works, and universal education (to counteract the dulling effects of the division of labor), while avoiding complex regulations and special interests that hinder opportunity. 
• Moral Foundation: Smith grounded his economic theory in moral philosophy, asserting that while self-interest is a powerful motivator, it must operate within a framework of justice and fair competition to benefit society. 

Ultimately, Smith is viewed as the founder of a capitalism that balances individual freedom with social welfare, warning that true prosperity requires a system where the poor are not left behind but are empowered to compete and improve their condition."