Quotes by Frédéric Bastiat

Frédéric Bastiat (1801–1850) was a prominent French economist, writer, and political theorist known for his advocacy of free markets and limited government intervention. Born in Bayonne, France, Bastiat became a leading figure of classical liberalism during the 19th century. His writings focused on economics, law, and individual freedoms, with an emphasis on the idea that government should play a minimal role in economic affairs.

Bastiat's most famous works include The Law (1850) and Economic Sophisms (1845–1848), where he skillfully used satire and clear reasoning to dismantle protectionist and socialist arguments. In The Law, he argues that a just legal system should protect life, liberty, and property, and he criticized the use of government power for redistributive purposes. He is also widely known for his essay “That Which is Seen, and That Which is Not Seen,” which introduced the "broken window fallacy," illustrating the unintended consequences of economic policies.

Bastiat’s style was characterized by wit, simplicity, and logical rigor, making complex economic principles accessible to the general public. Despite dying young from tuberculosis, his ideas have left a lasting legacy in the fields of economics and libertarian thought, inspiring movements that value free enterprise, individual rights, and voluntary cooperation.