Conflict Quote by Frederic Bastiat
“Thus, if there exists a law which sanctions slavery or monopoly, oppression or robbery, in any form whatever, it must not even be mentioned. For how can it be mentioned without damaging the respect which it inspires? Still further, morality and political economy must be taught from the point of view of this law; from the supposition that it must be a just law merely because it is a law. Another effect of this tragic perversion of the law is that it gives an exaggerated importance to political passions and conflicts, and to politics in general.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Economic Sophisms, 1845
The law should not legitimize oppression; mentioning it validates its authority and inflates political conflict.
In simple terms: Law should not protect injustice.
Key Takeaway
Critique laws that protect oppression.
Themes
justice
law
politics
morality
economics
Mood
critical
reflective
Type
analytical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- policy analysis
- legal reform
- public education
- human rights advocacy
Key Concepts
legal theory
political economy
ethical philosophy
Questions to Reflect On
- What laws today might be unjust yet accepted?
- How can societies expose hidden oppression in law?
A Different Perspective
Laws that claim neutrality can still enforce injustice.
