It’s not a matter of translation, it’s right there in the French (Harmonies économiques). He investigates why market societies tend to form into harmonious syst

It’s not a matter of translation, it’s right there in the French (Harmonies économiques). He investigates why market societies tend to form into harmonious systems or organized wholes. He uses the word “harmony” extensively throughout the book and specifically in relation to the Pythagorean “harmony of the spheres”. And, yes, with his magnum opus he does suddenly end up having principles much closer to those of Communist China. Are you offended? This quote of Bastiat might put things in perspective: “It is as if the socialists were to accuse us of not wanting persons to eat because we do not want the state to raise grain.” Markets may be the best way to serve the needs of society. But the point—even for Bastiat!—is to serve the needs of society. Is that shocking?