"The Law" is a seminal work by Frédéric Bastiat, exploring the role of law and government in society. Bastiat presents the idea that the law should protect individual rights, including life, liberty, and property. He argues that when the law is misused, it can lead to oppression and injustice, causing harm instead of serving the people. This misuse can occur when the government engages in actions that benefit one group at the expense of another, essentially turning the law into a tool for plunder.
Bastiat further emphasizes the distinction between truly beneficial government actions, which contribute to the common good, and those that merely redistribute wealth or power. He critiques socialism and various forms of government intervention that he believes lead to moral decay and societal division. By promoting a limited government focused on protecting natural rights, Bastiat advocates for a system where individuals are free to pursue their interests without undue interference.
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1712 -
Jean-Jacques Rousseau
1946 -
Gilda Radner
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Mel Brooks
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Felicia Day
1971 -
Elon Musk
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Hans Blix
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Alexis Carrel
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Louise Mensch
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Frederick William Faber
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A. A. Gill
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Kathy Bates
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Lalla Ward
1936 -
Major Owens
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Pat Morita
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John Cusack
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Alessandro Nivola
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Tamara Ecclestone
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Carl Levin
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Ed Pastor
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Kellie Pickler
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Jack Harbaugh
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David Edwards