The Doctrine of the Democrats

by Frédéric Bastiat

　　The strange phenomenon of our times -- one which will probablyastound our descendants -- is the doctrine based on this triplehypothesis: the total inertness of mankind, the omnipotence of thelaw, and the infallibility of the legislator. These three ideas formthe sacred symbol of those who proclaim themselves totally democratic.

　　The advocates of this doctrine also profess to be social. So faras they are democratic, they place unlimited faith in mankind. But sofar as they are social, they regard mankind as little better than mud.Let us examine this contrast in greater detail.

　　What is the attitude of the democrat when political rights areunder discussion? How does he regard the people when a legislator isto be chosen? Ah, then it is claimed that the people have aninstinctive wisdom; they are gifted with the finest perception; theirwill is always right; the general will cannot err; voting cannot betoo universal.

　　When it is time to vote, apparently the voter is not to be askedfor any guarantee of his wisdom. His will and capacity to choosewisely are taken for granted. Can the people be mistaken? Are we notliving in an age of enlightenment? What! are the people always to bekept on leashes? Have they not won their rights by great effort andsacrifice? Have they not given ample proof of their intelligence andwisdom? Are they not adults? Are they not capable of judging forthemselves? Do they not know what is best for themselves? Is there aclass or a man who would be so bold as to set himself above thepeople, and judge and act for them? No, no, the people are and shouldbe free. They desire to manage their own affairs, and they shall doso.

　　But when the legislator is finally elected -- ah! then indeed doesthe tone of his speech undergo a radical change. The people arereturned to passiveness, inertness, and unconsciousness; thelegislator enters into omnipotence. Now it is for him to initiate, todirect, to propel, and to organize. Mankind has only to submit; thehour of despotism has struck. We now observe this fatal idea: Thepeople who, during the election, were so wise, so moral, and soperfect, now have no tendencies whatever; or if they have any, theyare tendencies that lead downward into degradation.