Two systems confront each other – both exude from sincere convictions, both aim at the general good.

Frédéric Bastiat
Complete Works, Volume 7, pages 213 to 214 (in French)
La République française, February 28th, 1848

Following an article published in La Presse calling for putting aside partisan disputes so that the provisory government, that is implemented further to the February revolution, be able to work properly, Frédéric Bastiat accepts to adopt such a low profile approach while at the same time asserting his positions.

He reminds us here that the two systems being referred to are socialism or liberalism and that “one consists in extending indefinitely while the other consists in restricting as much as possible the attributions of power”.

What today’s quote reveals is the true humanity of Frédéric Bastiat who, despite being convinced that his opponents are mistaken, is showing deep respect for the men with whom he disagrees. He acknowledges that it is not out of malice that they are trying to implement socialism but out of conviction indeed. His own conviction is different but is also desserves to be respected.