Frédéric Bastiat was a prominent 19th-century French economist and writer, best known for his works advocating free markets and criticizing protectionism. Born in 1801 in Bayonne, France, he became one of the leading voices in the classical liberal movement. His writings emphasized the importance of individual liberty and the unintended consequences of government intervention in the economy. Bastiat's clear and persuasive style made complex economic concepts accessible to a wider audience. One of his most famous contributions is the essay "What Is Seen and What Is Not Seen," where he illustrates the idea that economic actions can have visible and invisible effects. He argued that policymakers often focus on immediate, visible benefits while neglecting the hidden costs and long-term consequences of their decisions. This principle helped to establish his reputation as a keen critic of government spending and economic regulation. Bastiat's most notable works include "The Law," in which he argues for limited government, and "Economic Sophisms," a collection of essays challenging common economic fallacies. His ideas laid the groundwork for modern economic thought and continue to inspire advocates for free markets and personal freedom today. Bastiat passed away in 1850, but his legacy endures in the ongoing discussions about the role of government in the economy. Frédéric Bastiat was a famous French economist and author born in 1801. He was crucial in advocating for free markets and criticizing protectionist policies. His writing style was clear and engaging, which helped popularize complex economic concepts. One of his key ideas is explained in his essay "What Is Seen and What Is Not Seen," where he highlights the visible and hidden consequences of economic actions. He warned that policymakers often overlook the unseen costs associated with their interventions. Bastiat's influential works, such as "The Law" and "Economic Sophisms," contributed to the foundation of classical liberal economic thought. Although he passed away in 1850, his theories and ideas on individual freedom and limited government remain relevant today.