The Law

If you have already read it, read it again. If you have not read it, please consider reading this timeless piece of literature. Though it was written well over 150 years ago, Bastiat’s philosophical and eloquent description of the purpose of the law has not changed with time; his sentiments remain completely on point. In fact many of the points eluded too regarding the concerns of Liberty have been exacerbated in America’s current system. Please read and share this classic piece of literature. Invite everyone you know to read and discus it. This is one of the most powerful and concise books on politics ever written. The way in which Mr. Bastiat illustrates his point are careful not to be inflammatory, while at the same time hard hitting. Regardless of one’s personal political persuasion, this is a must read.

Bastiat warns us not to kid ourselves about a kind, gentle, caring government. Like George Washington, Bastiat reminds us that law means force, and that any appeal to the law is ultimately an appeal to force. In appealing to the law, therefore, we must ask ourselves if we would be justified in using force to vindicate our appeal. Life, liberty, and property, Bastiat argues, are the rights which God has given to each individual by virtue of the fact that the individual exists, and that with or without government, an individual is justified in defending his or her life, liberty, and property. Ideally, governments should exist to defend these three basic God-given rights. As an individual, I cannot spend all of my time defending my life, liberty, and property, nor can my neighbors. Government is born when my neighbors and I come together to hire a sheriff to defend these rights full-time for us. The sheriffs authority to defend these rights on our behalf is derived from the authority of each of us individually to protect ourselves in these rights. Because government derives its authority from the aggregrate authority of individual citizens, government should not be allowed to do for me what I cannot legally do for myself. This is the foundation of Bastiats argument, and when taken to its natural conclusion, it shows us that redistribution-of-wealth schemes that the government forces upon some members of society to benefit others are a potential threat to a free people. Social security, welfare, and other government entitlements are all examples of this. Bastiat referred to such government programs as legalized plunder which ultimately creates far more social problems than it solves. The recent presidential race has shown us just how weak and dependent Americans have become. Just as Bastiat predicted, every little social group is clamoring to get its own share of government entitlements, and politician are clamoring to pander to these groups in exchange for political power, even if it means continuing the disastrous economic course of deficits and staggering public debt which may someday threaten the country with bankruptcy and economic collapse. We should learn the lesson of communism--it isnt governments job to take care of us. Being responsible for our own subsistence, including the inherent risks involved in such responsibility, is the price we must pay for freedom and prosperity. If we succumb to the lure of government-provided security by means of legalized plunder, we will one day find ourselves bereft of the freedom which we once took for granted. Bastiats classic shows us how to preserve a free society and avoid the consequences of legalized injustice.

I have a new mind-crush. My top 5 has gained another member. Bastiat has joined the Who would you have to dinner club along with Locke, Paul, Madison, and either that guy I forgot about or I still have an open space. Oh yeah, Jesus, but that goes without saying. Seriously, this is a great read. This is one of those reads that should be required, but its painfully obvious as to why it isnt. It will be required for my kiddos once theyre around the 7th or 8th grade mark. I think anyone 12 and over could easily grasp and appreciate the concepts laid out in The Law. Not to mention that its a quick read for those that flirt with philosophy, but arent committed. Where did I NOT highlight? I usually try to summarize my reads according to how much I underlined or scribbled. Now that I look back, nearly every page has a remark. So, my major crush topics are 1) Bastiat takes on Rousseau and the Reign of Terror 2) Bastiat takes on Democracy 3) Bastiat is pro-human 4) Bastiat is anti-slavery 5) Bastiat is anti-Socialism. That might be a lot of antis, but his solution is pro-Liberty. Hey Misanthropic Philanthropist guy who thinks hes above mankind and uses men as if theyre raw material- put the Law down. Hey Mr. Fancy Pants Utopian dude who wants to make the world over in your own image- check your vices. I think I have figured out why pro-Liberty books are so short compared to Utopian books. Its a lot quicker to say, we should be free and this is why as opposed to I am an authoritarian bent on making people into new creations, but I have to come across as if I really care about them, hence the 500 page sleeping pill. Except for the Communist Manifesto, and thats chiefly because Marx said hey, quit lying and tell these people who we really are. I should have read this book years ago. It is certainly foundational work.

The headline says it all. This is a timeless statement on man’s desire for liberty, autonomy and sovereignty. It belongs in your, and everyone else’s, library.

Although written in 1850, the principles of freedom from government intrusion into our lives, could not be more appropriate in todays world. Mr. Bastiat elucidates, in 75 pages, his concept of the over-reach of the Socialist style of government, by creating laws which actually limit our rights to free expression. This short treatise should be read and reread by every citizen, and taught in history classes throughout the world. It tells in simple terms, how the government systematically erodes freedoms, and makes the populace dependent upon it for its power over its citizenry. The concept of ominous parallels in our world today, could not be more appropriate and critical to understand. The principles are great ammunition for those who wish to preserve the freedoms our forefathers fought for to bring us.

This read definitely shows the pitfalls of socialism. We should be careful of things we ask for.

The first 560 pages is a novel authored by L.S. The last 48 pages are written by F. Bastiat. Holding a heavy book to read only 48 pages is an unpleasant experience. 2 books in one, a distasteful joke for serious readers.

My Niece teaches in a Home School Group and her young students read this book. They also read Shakespeare and perform in Shakespeare plays as young as 8... Our Education System needs an Overhaul. Here is a good start.

Bastiats perspective is relevant today and provides an in depth understanding of Law. He describes the difference between plunder and legal plunder, the later of which is destroying the foundation of America as solidified by our founding fathers in Constitution. To understand how the foundation is being eroding by legal plunder (none-the-less plunder) one must fully understand the impact of it. Bastiats The Law provides that understanding. Ive also downloaded the audio version and send it to friends regularly. To change what is going on in America we must understand what is really happening as our politicians make every effort to present everything as if it were a nice present wrapped up perfectly for out benefit...it is deceitful.

This was recommended by Mark Moss via his YouTube channel, and I must say, that I regret not knowing about this dynamite of a book sooner. Read this, then view the world, knowing why it is, as it is.