A Defense of Compulsory Labor

by Frédéric Bastiat

　　Let us first consider a quotation from Bossuet [tutor to theDauphin in the Court of Louis XIV]:*

　　 "One of the things most strongly impressed (by whom?) uponthe minds of the Egyptians was patriotism.... No one was permitted tobe useless to the state. The law assigned to each one his work, whichwas handed down from father to son. No one was permitted to have twoprofessions. Nor could a person change from one job to another....But there was one task to which all were forced to conform: thestudy of the laws and of wisdom. Ignorance of religion and of thepolitical regulations of the country was not excused under anycircumstances. Moreover, each occupation was assigned (by whom?) to acertain district.... Among the good laws, one of the best was thateveryone was trained (by whom?) to obey them. As a result of this,Egypt was filled with wonderful inventions, and nothing was neglectedthat could make life easy and quiet"

　　 *Translator's note: The parenthetical expressions and theitalicized words throughout this book were supplied by Mr. Bastiat.All subheads and bracketed material were supplied by the translator.

　　Thus, according to Bossuet, persons derive nothing fromthemselves. Patriotism, prosperity, inventions, husbandry, science-- all of these are given to the people by the operation of the laws,the rulers. All that the people have to do is to bow to leadership.