The Law
Frederic Bastiat
What is the true purpose of law? In The Law, 19th-century French economist and statesman Frédéric Bastiat delivers a timeless and powerful defense of individual liberty, private property, and limited government.
Written in 1850 during a period of political upheaval in France, this concise yet profound work argues that the legitimate function of law is simple: to protect life, liberty, and property — not to redistribute wealth, engineer society, or impose morality. Bastiat warns against what he calls “legal plunder,” where the law is used to take from some and give to others, distorting justice and undermining freedom.
Clear, logical, and remarkably relevant today, The Law remains one of the most influential works in classical liberal thought. Whether you are new to political philosophy or a longtime student of liberty, this audiobook offers sharp insight into the principles of justice, government power, and individual rights.
Timeless. Provocative. Essential listening.
Duration - 2h 47m.
Author - Frédéric Bastiat.
Narrator - Graham Dunlop.
Published Date - Wednesday, 28 January 2026.
Copyright - © 1850 Frederic Bastiat ©.
Location:
United States
Description:
What is the true purpose of law? In The Law, 19th-century French economist and statesman Frédéric Bastiat delivers a timeless and powerful defense of individual liberty, private property, and limited government. Written in 1850 during a period of political upheaval in France, this concise yet profound work argues that the legitimate function of law is simple: to protect life, liberty, and property — not to redistribute wealth, engineer society, or impose morality. Bastiat warns against what he calls “legal plunder,” where the law is used to take from some and give to others, distorting justice and undermining freedom. Clear, logical, and remarkably relevant today, The Law remains one of the most influential works in classical liberal thought. Whether you are new to political philosophy or a longtime student of liberty, this audiobook offers sharp insight into the principles of justice, government power, and individual rights. Timeless. Provocative. Essential listening. Duration - 2h 47m. Author - Frédéric Bastiat. Narrator - Graham Dunlop. Published Date - Wednesday, 28 January 2026. Copyright - © 1850 Frederic Bastiat ©.
Language:
English
Opening Credits
Duration:00:00:13
Foreword
Duration:00:08:00
The Law
Duration:01:57:22
The Book and the Author
Duration:00:02:39
Two of Bastiat’s Gems of Economic
Duration:00:03:16
The Broken Window (excerpted from “What Is Seen and What Is Not Seen”)
Duration:00:07:49
The Candlemakers’ Petition (originally published as “A Petition”)
Duration:00:10:05
The Wisdom of Frédéric Bastiat
Duration:00:17:30
Ending Credits
Duration:00:00:13