That Which Is Seen and That Which Is Not Seen: The Unintended Consequences of Government Spending [Paperback]

M. Frederic Bastiat (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 18, 2007

Must-read classic from the brilliant French economist and philospher.

Product Details

• Paperback: 55 pages
• Publisher: Classic Books Library (February 18, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 160096706X
• ISBN-13: 978-1600967061
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 5.9 x 0.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #792,934 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #25 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Business & Investing > Economics > Theory

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Uncovering the Hidden Consequences, October 20, 2009

By 

Larry Underwood "Author - St Louis Cardinals ... (Scottsdale, AZ) - See all my reviews

This review is from: That Which Is Seen and That Which Is Not Seen: The Unintended Consequences of Government Spending (Paperback)

That which is seen: Government bailouts & a Stimulis Package to help the country recover from a severe recession; that which is not seen: The crippling effects of a budget deficit, which our children's children will be paying off with higher taxes, long after we're gone. Short term gain; long term pain. That's business as usual for practically every government on the planet; welcome to Obama Nation.

Of course, we know that sort of policy is not the proper solution to problems of finacial difficulties; however, it's the most expedient, and therefore, most politically advantageous. After all, it's politicians who are running things; not economists.

Frederic Bastiat's remarkable treatise on government spending was written a century and a half ago, but like his timeless masterpiece The Law, this particular endeavor is still very relevent. The language is perhaps a bit difficult to sift through; but it's message is clear: The government really needs much less intervention in dealing with our society's needs; that concept is still as compelling today as it was when Bastiat first wrote this book.

Big government needs to shrink; it's really that simple. Making that happen any time soon is going to be difficult, however, as long as politicians are still running things; and they are.

17 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Thoughful Economics from the un-French Frenchman, May 22, 2008

By 

L.A. Price - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: That Which Is Seen and That Which Is Not Seen: The Unintended Consequences of Government Spending (Paperback)

One of Bastiat's finest essays. He appeals to the reader to question your public officials, or private companies, when they point to a positive consequence that we can see. What is often more important is the unseen effects, the other outcomes that result, which are often hidden from our view because their effects are messier and less visible.

This is a must read for anyone interested in economics or politics.

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Little Book, Great Thinking, May 4, 2009

By 

Bob Miles (Houston) - See all my reviews

This review is from: That Which Is Seen and That Which Is Not Seen: The Unintended Consequences of Government Spending (Paperback)

This little book is the most insightful thing ever written by all of the great freedom thinkers. What is seen versus what is not seen explains why government gets away with such deception.

Read Bastiat along with Beitler's Rational Individualism: A Moral Argument for Limited Government & Capitalism. Essential reading for free-market thinkers.