That Which Is Seen and That Which Is Not Seen

Frédéric Bastiat's essay, "That Which is Seen, and That Which is Not Seen," elucidates the importance of considering the indirect and often unseen consequences of economic policies.

Bastiat argues against focusing solely on the immediate and visible effects.

He uses the parable of the broken window to illustrate how destruction can be mistakenly seen as beneficial to the economy.

By examining the unseen, Bastiat highlights the opportunity costs and unintended outcomes of government intervention.

The essay advocates for free markets and limited government, promoting the idea that individual actions and voluntary exchange lead to greater prosperity.