Bastiat's statement 'the state is the great fiction' can be understood as a critique of the over - glorification of the state. The state is not some kind of self - existent, all - knowing entity. It is created by humans, and often its functions and powers are not as clear - cut as we might be led to believe. It's a fictionalized concept in that it is made to seem more than what it actually is, which is a system created and run by fallible human beings with various interests and agendas.
This statement might suggest that the state is a fictional entity in that it is often idealized. For example, states are often presented as unified and harmonious entities, but in reality, they are made up of diverse groups with different interests, and the idea of a monolithic 'state' is a sort of fiction. It also could mean that the power and authority we attribute to the state are not as absolute as they seem, as they are often based on social contracts that are more fluid and changeable than we sometimes assume.
This phrase suggests that the state is a construct that doesn't have an absolute or essential existence. The state is defined by our collective beliefs and actions. We give it power, functions, and a sense of identity. For instance, the state's authority to tax, make laws, and enforce regulations is based on the general acceptance of the people. It's like a fictional story that we all believe in and act according to, but it doesn't exist in the same way as natural physical entities.
I'm not entirely sure what specific 'bastiat that great fiction' refers to without more context. 'Bastiat' could be referring to Frédéric Bastiat, a well - known economist. Maybe it's a misquote or something very specific within a certain study or discussion.
Well, 'bastiat great fiction' could be related to Bastiat's writings that were fictional in a sense to make complex economic and social concepts more understandable. His stories and examples helped to illustrate how certain policies that seem beneficial at first glance can actually be harmful in the long run, like subsidies that distort markets.
In modern society, we can see Bastiat's view in how we question government overreach. If the state is a 'fiction' in terms of its over - inflated power, we should be vigilant about policies that seem to expand its authority without good reason.
It could be about Bastiat's way of using fictional scenarios to explain economic concepts. For example, he might create a made - up town or situation to show how things like trade barriers work.
The status of the novel referred to the story line or ending of the novel that was still being serialised but not completed. Some novelists would announce that they would suspend their novels in a certain chapter or at a certain point in time, or reveal the ending of the novel in advance. This was known as " cheating." In online novels, cheating was a common phenomenon. Some authors would encounter creative bottlenecks in the process of serializing or stop serializing for other reasons. However, their works would usually continue to be circulated in the hands of other authors and become classic works for other readers.
In economic theory, Bastiat often used vivid examples and parables to make his points. If 'bastiat that great fiction' is being discussed in this context, it could be that the so - called 'fiction' is about how simplified his examples were. His famous 'Candlestick Makers' Petition' was a great way to illustrate the fallacy of protectionism, but in a very idealized, perhaps 'fictional' way. In the real economy, there are many more complex factors at play than what his simple parables might suggest. So, this phrase could be a critique of the over - simplicity in some of his theoretical presentations.
The statement 'government is that great fiction' perhaps suggests that government is an elaborate and man - made idea. It's not a tangible, natural thing like a tree or a river. Governments are formed through social contracts and agreements among people. They exist in the realm of ideas and institutions. We give them power and legitimacy, which makes it seem like a sort of fictional entity that has real - world consequences. For example, the way a government's currency system works or its laws on property are all constructs that are part of this 'fiction' that we as a society uphold.
This statement might suggest that the idea of government is a sort of grand illusion. Governments are made up of various institutions, laws, and people in power. But in a sense, it's a human - created concept that we've come to accept as real and powerful. It often functions based on the collective belief and cooperation of the citizens. If people stop believing in its authority or following its rules, it loses much of its power.