You are not unaware of the way names can sometimes deceive us in regard to the bad side of things.

Frédéric Bastiat
Pamphlets II

This short pamphlet is deliciously satirical. Frédéric Bastiat is here writing on behalf of the Mimerel committee in order to expose freedom of speech and teaching. He takes this opportunity to turn down into absurdity protectionnist theses and remind us that if there is one thing upon which economists agree between themselves, it is trade (including international trade). As a conclusion, the protectionist theses are so difficult to defend that censorship of opposite theses is the only remaining way for them to shine.

I chose today’s quote because it reminds me of George Orwell’s newspeak a hundred years before it was “invented”, thus showing to what extent Frédéric Bastiat’s perception of the world surrounding him was acute. It also reminds me that it will be necessary to fight tooth and nail in order for the word “liberal” to remain a noble word and not let it be usurped as it has been in the United States since the first half of the 20th century.