Law Quote by Frédéric Bastiat
““I do not think that illegal plunder, such as theft or swindling — which the penal code defines, anticipates, and punishes — can be called socialism. It is not this kind of plunder that systematically threatens the foundations of society. Anyway, the war against this kind of plunder has not waited for the command of these gentlemen. The war against illegal plunder has been fought since the beginning of the world. Long before the Revolution of February 1848 — long before the appearance even of socialism itself — France had provided police, judges, gendarmes, prisons, dungeons, and scaffolds for the purpose of fighting illegal plunder. The law itself conducts this war, and it is my wish and opinion that the law should always maintain this attitude toward plunder.””
About This Quote
Source Essay: What Is Property? (1850)
Illegal plunder is not socialism; law has always fought theft, predating socialist ideas.
In simple terms: Illegal theft isn’t socialism.
Key Takeaway
Recognize law’s role against theft.
Themes
property
law
socialism
crime
history
Mood
analytical
critical
Type
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- policy making
- legal reform
- public discourse
- education
Key Concepts
economics
political theory
ethics
Questions to Reflect On
- What defines legitimate property?
- How does law balance theft and freedom?
A Different Perspective
Law may be applied inconsistently, limiting its effectiveness.
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