Bastiat was a French liberal of the 19th century and perhaps the best popularizer of free market economics ever. This collection centers around his criticisms of protectionism and defenses of free trade. He takes on all the fallacies of his day, most of which are fallacies of our own day as well. Of particular note is the inclusion of his famous “Petition” from the candle makers and other demanding that sunshine be blocked from entering houses so as to stimulate the economy by forcing people to buy artificial light. That essay is the economics equivalent of Jonathan Swift’s “Modest Proposal.” The case for free trade has perhaps never been better made than here.
Also from the FEE Library
Methodology by Paul Cwik
American Unionism Fallacies and Follies by Hans Sennholz
This selection of essays explores the impact of labor unions on business and the economy. These essays explore topics such as industrialization, wages, working conditions, the freedom to work, strikes, and inflation.
Cliches of Socialism Number 15 by R. C. Hoiles
“Competition is fine, but not at the expense of human beings.”
Letter from Henry Hazlitt to Henry Regnery January 30, 1975 by Henry Hazlitt
Letter from Henry Hazlitt to Henry Regnery January 30, 1975 where Hazlitt explains how he helped make Hayek’s the Road to Serfdom a hit in the US.
Interventionism: An Economic Analysis by Ludwig Von Mises
One of Ludwig Von Mises’ explorations of the harmful effects of government intervention. Mises also explains how interventionism will ultimately lead to socialism.
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