Johan en Pieter de la Court - Consideratien van Staat

The Consideration of State, or Politique Scale of Weighing is an influential political tract from 1661/1662, written by the Leiden brothers Johan and Pieter de la Court. The book is regarded as one of the most important theoretical foundations of radical Dutch republicanism during the First Stadtholderless Period. Key message and content In the work the authors weigh with "many reasons, circumstances, examples, and fables" which form of government is theoretically and practically best for humanity. • Monarchy vs. Republic: The book offers sharp criticism of monarchy (and, in the context of the Republic of the Seven United Netherlands, the stadthood of the House of Orange). A monarch is seen as a slave to his own passions and self-interest, which inevitably leads to tyranny and the abuse of the state treasury. • The 'True Freedom': The brothers De la Court passionately advocate a republican form of government (the oligarchic democracy or aristocratic republic). Within a republic laws and the common good compel the rulers to act to the benefit of the citizens and the economy. • The 'Interest' (Self-Interest): Central to their thinking is the reality that people are always driven by personal gain and self-interest. A good political scale ensures that the individual interests of the regents run parallel to the general interest of the state and its economy (notably trade). The book concerns the 3rd edition from 1662, is fitted with a vellum leather cover and is in good condition. On the flyleaf there is a name (struck through), a stamp and the text of previous owners of the book. The binding is firm, the cover bears signs of wear but is in prima state.

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