Sadly, most young Americans today miss out on the chance to study classic old books in school. If you’re relieved about this freedom from the shackles of the past, not so fast! There is much to be learned from history, especially so that we can avoid past pitfalls and mistakes. Don’t believe me, then check out an article by our friends over at Intellectual Takeout and take C.S. Lewis’s word for it.
Windrose is standing in the gap by promoting one well-written and thought-provoking book each month. These books will explore different topics from politics and economics, to personal growth and fulfillment. Don’t have time to read it all? At least get started, and put it on your reading list. We all need a working reading list and a growing library, because without one we would be stuck in the present, and blind to the past. Reading exposes us to new perspectives and teaches our minds to evaluate ideas. At The Windrose Project, we encourage our young leaders to wrestle with ideas, both new and old.
A greater familiarity with Bastiat’s clear ideas about liberty would be an important step in rekindling respect and love, and allowing the resuscitation of the spirit of liberty among our fellow Americans.
~from the Foreword by Walter Williams
But back to Bastiat and The Law…What makes a good law? Why do we have laws anyway, and what are they supposed to do? In his classic blueprint for a free society, Bastiat clearly answers these basic questions. He outlines what the role of the government should be, and points out when it goes simply too far. Bastiat explains that we make laws to protect our basic rights. Life, liberty, and property (or the pursuit of happiness) preexist the law, and are superior to it. They are natural and a part of every human being.
The law is a way that we band together as a society to exercise our right to self-defense. Unfortunately, though the law was supposed to restrict crime, it has become an instrument of greed today. We make laws that endorse and require what Bastiat calls “legalized plunder”, or legal theft. What’s the danger here? Well you’ll just have to read and find out! Take the time to dive into this short (only 60 pages) but incredible book!
If you would like to read this short book digitally, the Foundation for Economic Education has a FREE pdf copy available online.
