ISBN: 9371245263 9789371245265

Category: Business & Economics / Economic History

Page count: 546

Harmonies of Political Economy is one of the most intellectually profound and morally compelling works of economic thought ever composed. Written by the 19th-century French economist and statesman Frédéric Bastiat, the book was conceived as a counterpoint to the prevailing socialist and protectionist ideologies of his time. Published posthumously in 1850, it remains a cornerstone of classical liberal and laissez-faire economic theory. In this extensive treatise, Bastiat endeavors to demonstrate that human economic interactions—when left free from coercive interference—naturally lead to harmony, not conflict. He argues that wants, efforts, and satisfactions are part of an organic system driven by voluntary exchange, competition, and individual initiative. Drawing on moral philosophy, legal theory, and economic logic, Bastiat explores fundamental principles such as: Exchange and Value – Bastiat examines the true meaning of value, the role of mutual service in commerce, and the nature of voluntary transactions. Wealth and Capital – He explains wealth as the progressive satisfaction of human wants, made possible through capital accumulation and cooperation. Property and Land Ownership – A staunch defender of private property, Bastiat frames land ownership not as privilege but as social utility. Competition and Wages – Rather than exploitation, Bastiat views competition as a liberating and leveling force in society. Social Justice and Responsibility – Bastiat dismantles the notion that state intervention ensures justice, emphasizing personal responsibility and moral progress. Relations to Politics, Morals, and Religion – The closing chapters weave together economics, ethical responsibility, and the spiritual elevation of humankind. The book is structured as a philosophical and economic conversation with the youth of France, urging them to understand the natural harmonies underlying society and resist destructive collectivist ideologies. Far ahead of his time, Bastiat's vision aligns markets with human flourishing, liberty with prosperity, and voluntary cooperation with peace. This edition includes a Translator’s Preface, biographical notes, and the impassioned address To the Youth of France. It is both a scholarly masterpiece and a moral call to recognize the intrinsic order and beauty of a free society.