---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Who then would not like to see these…"
description: "\"Who then would not like to see these benefits flow upon the world from the law, as from an inexhaustible source?... But is it possible?... Whence does ..."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/5b9/frederic-bastiat-2151_benefits_who-then-would-not-like-to-see-these-ben_1473295.jpg"
---

#  Who then would not like to see these benefits flow upon…

![“Who then would not like to see these benefits flow upon the world from the law, as from an inexhaustible source?... But is it possible?... Whence does the State draw those resources that it is urged to dispense by way of benefits to individuals? Is it not from the individuals themselves? How…” quote by Frederic Bastiat](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/5b9/frederic-bastiat-2151_benefits_who-then-would-not-like-to-see-these-ben_1473295.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/5b9/frederic-bastiat-2151_benefits_who-then-would-not-like-to-see-these-ben_1473295.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/5b9/frederic-bastiat-2151_benefits_who-then-would-not-like-to-see-these-ben_1473295.jpg)

> “Who then would not like to see these benefits flow upon the world from the law, as from an inexhaustible source?... But is it possible?... Whence does the State draw those resources that it is urged to dispense by way of benefits to individuals? Is it not from the individuals themselves? How, then, can these resources be increased by passing through the hands of a parasitic and voracious intermediary?”

[Frederic Bastiat](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/frederic-bastiat/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The state draws resources from individuals and redistributes them, but this process drains wealth rather than creates it, acting like a parasitic intermediary.

**In simple terms:** Government takes from people and gives back, but loses value.

Key Takeaway

Recognize hidden costs of redistribution.

Themes

economics government taxation resource allocation public policy

Mood

critical analytical skeptical

Type

philosophical political economic

When to use this quote

- budget planning
- tax policy debate
- public finance reform
- citizen education

Key Concepts

Opportunity cost parasitic intermediary wealth creation individual rights

Questions to Reflect On

- What hidden costs arise when the state reallocates resources?
- How can societies balance individual liberty with collective welfare?

A Different Perspective

Redistribution can spur inefficiency and reduce incentives.

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