If I were to recommend a great old book about legal topic, it must be “The Law”, written by Frédéric Bastiat. First published in 1850, this book spans only 55 pages. This little gem is a classic treatise on the nature of law, and its role in society.
C.S. Lewis suggested that we should focus on reading old books. He stated, “…but if he must read only the new or only the old, I would advise him to read the old. And I would give him this advice precisely because he is an amateur and therefore much less protected than the expert against the dangers of an exclusive contemporary diet. A new book is still on its trial and the amateur is not in a position to judge it...”
This classic book covers key points such as the purpose of law, natural rights, the role of government, the social system and redistribution, freedom and responsibility, and the rule of law.
The Beauty of “The Law”
One of the most impressive aspects is Bastiat’s introduction of legal plunder, where the law is perverted to serve the interests of certain groups at the expense of others.
Bastiat wrote,”It is absolutely necessary that this question of legal plunder should be determined, and there are only three solutions of it:
- When the few plunder the many.
- When everybody plunders everybody else.
- When nobody plunders anybody.
Partial plunder, universal plunder, absence of plunder, amongst these we have to make our choice. The law can only produce one of these results.” (page 15）
Bastiat held a great admiration for the American government (the America of 1850).
You will discover many compelling arguments in this book. “The Law” is a very passionate defense of individual liberty, limited government (small government), and more.
This book is in the public domain since its copyright has expired. Published in 1850, it is freely available for anyone to access and read!