The Indirect Approach to Despotism

by Frédéric Bastiat

　　Usually, however, these gentlemen -- the reformers, thelegislators, and the writers on public affairs -- do not desire toimpose direct despotism upon mankind. Oh no, they are too moderateand philanthropic for such direct action. Instead, they turn to thelaw for this despotism, this absolutism, this omnipotence. Theydesire only to make the laws.

　　To show the prevalence of this queer idea in France, I would needto copy not only the entire works of Mably, Raynal, Rousseau, andFenelon -- plus long extracts from Bossuet and Montesquieu -- but alsothe entire proceedings of the Convention. I shall do no such thing; Imerely refer the reader to them.