The law has been perverted by the influence of two entirely different causes: stupid greed and false philanthropy. Let us speak of the first. - Frédéric Bastiat

The law has been perverted through the influence of two very different causes — bare egotism and false philanthropy.

Despoilers obey the Malthusian law; they multiply with the means of existence, and the means of existence of knaves is the credulity of their dupes.

When two workmen run after one master, wages fall; they rise when two masters run after one workman.

These classes, according to the degree of enlightenment at which they have arrived, may propose to themselves two very different ends, when they thus attempt the attainment of their political rights; either they may wish to put an end to lawful plunder, or they may desire to take part in it.