User:Emrice210/sandbox/Laissez Faire

Laissez Faire Laissez Faire is the French term for “allow to do” that refers to the idea of minimal government meddling in the affairs of the individual. It is the policy that allows the citizens to live, and let live. This policy was political as well as economical and was widely accepted among the people. (Britannica). Also translated as “let (people) do (as they think best)” which accurately describes the policy enforced during the 18 and 19th centuries (OED). Adam Smith, the father of classical economics, was a main advocate for the policy who promoted the wellbeing of individuals. John Stuart Mill also had a large part in the policy as he drew up cases for as well as against government interference. (US History). This idea, of allowing things to “take their own course, without interfering” was first introduced in 1825. Ellen Paul writes that the “fanatic embrace of sef-interest, self-help, and atomistic individualism, the period can only be characherized as an ‘age of laissez faire’” (Library of Economics and Liberty).